Tonge visits RHP properties

12.00.00am GMT Tue 3rd Dec 2002

Richmond Park MP Dr Jenny Tonge attended the Richmond AID and the Richmond Disability Forum's combined "Home Care" conference on Thursday November 28th, where she heard details of the London Borough of Richmond's proposals for charging for Home Care and Day Care Centres.

The Council's proposals, which are out for consultation only until December 24th, include one increase the charge to users of Council Day Centres from £15 per year to £5 a day.

Dr Tonge said: "This is a ridiculous suggestion. Many of our Day Centres are run by the Voluntary Sector – it's a recipe for utter confusion."

"Charging £5 a day for visiting the Day Centres will mean the very people who need Day Centres most will be deterred from visiting them."

"Dr Tonge also voiced her concerns about the Council's plans for charges for Domiciliary Care."

"The proposals, which run counter to the recommendations of the Council's own Task Group, will see charges abolished for some people, but big increases for others."

"Around 200 people will be exempted from charges for home care, but to offset the loss of income, those with savings of over £30,000 will be expected to pay the full cost of care."

"Dr Tonge said: "This makes me feel like running out and spending all my savings. I am extremely concerned that people with £30,000 or more, after a lifetime of saving, should be penalised in this way. It would be far better to have rates of charging linked to actual income."

"ENDS For further information please contact Jenny Tonge on pager number 07699 734071 or Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919."

"Notes for Editors: Details of the Council's Review of Charges can be obtained from Craig Brewin, Assistant Director, Strategy & Resources & Housing, 020 8891 1411.