Unison hits out at cuts in Wakefield

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.