News

Wakefield Council has been accused of making a quick-fix series of cuts in its latest proposals for older people's services.

Public sector union Unison has described the plans - designed to claw back a £2 million overspend for 2001-2 - as "unacceptable".

The union believes the cuts will amount to the loss of up to 100 jobs and the loss of important services, as well as contradicting the notion of promoting independence for older people through long-term planning.

Cuts include the ending of day care services at three centres and the withdrawal of support to centres across the district.

Wakefield Unison has called on the council to withdraw the planned cutbacks.

Recognising that Wakefield social services are not alone, Unison is also calling a mass meeting of members in social services across the country in September to decide a way forward.

Wakefield's director of social services and housing, Elaine McHale, defended the council's plans, claiming social care provision was adapting to meet the requirements of older people.

"The changes will mean that we can make more effective use of the department's resources in the future and target those areas where help is most needed," she said.

"They will also give people more choice about the type of care they need, so that with appropriate support they can lead more independent lives in their own homes," she added.