East Ayrshire Council HQ protest over healthcare cuts

The group gathered in response to the reduction of care packages and care services on offer to people with learning disabilities, care needs and support for families.

Isobel Taggart initially held a meeting for families affected by cuts, before protesting outside of the council HQ in Kilmarnock on two separate occasions.

Isobel is protesting for her son, Jack. (Image: Newsquest)

Isobel's desire came from a reduction in services to her own son Jack, who has Down Syndrome, only one fully functioning arm and requires significant support on a daily basis.

"I am 70-years-old and an unpaid carer," Isobel said.

"In the past two years his support for respite care has been reduced by 50per cent and this year his alternative respite budget has been eliminated altogether. 

"That time allowed our family some brief periods to recharge our energies in order to continue to maintain the caring role.

"What is happening can feel very isolating when you are only one voice.

"However, I feel strongly that the impact on individuals and their families needs to reach those in the council tasked with making decisions about care and support."

Cuts have come in light of the Health and Social Care Partnership's multi-million-pound overspend.

Earlier this summer, senior officers warned it will take around 18 months to recover from last year’s £8.6 million overspend.

But the projected overspend for council-commissioned HSCP services had reduced to around £4m by the end of May.

At this week's protest, councillors stopped to speak with Isobel and the rest of the group on their way into the full council meeting.

Those protesting accepted that local authorities face financial pressures, but argued that budget reduction measures are leading to substantial cuts to support packages, respite care and funding for people with learning disabilities.

And they feel that targeting cuts on people who require the most help should not be the way to go.

Council protest. (Image: Newsquest)

Isobel added: "We understand they have to make cuts somewhere because there's been mismanagement in place, but to target the most vulnerable people in our society is shambolic.

"When you see the payoffs two top council bosses got when services are being cut back really doesn't sit right.

"The argument will be that the money is from a different budget, but the optics aren't great.

"Something needs to be done and this is the way we think we can make an impact.

"A lot more people would've wanted to be here, but they couldn't because they're caring for someone.

"We'll see if this makes any difference, but we won't go down without a fight."

Council bosses say a meeting is being arranged with those concerned about care cuts, to discuss the process and potential effects.

Dr Erik Sutherland, director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are aware that some recent decisions relating to adult social care assessments are not being well received. However, care reviews are not unusual; in fact they are essential to ensure that the care packages being offered align to the eligibility criteria and fit within the budgets available to provide that care.     

“The Health and Social Care Partnership is facing significant challenges and as such, changes are required to ensure that our services are appropriate to the level of need.   

“While we cannot comment on the circumstances or care arrangements of any individual, we want to reassure people that everyone who seeks support is treated with dignity, compassion and respect.   

“Our staff take time to listen to each person, understand what matters to them, and consider the support they may need to live safely and as independently as possible. With the person’s agreement, this can include speaking with family members, carers or others who know them well, so that their strengths, needs and circumstances are fully understood.   

“Decisions about support are then made carefully and in line with established eligibility criteria.   

“These criteria help ensure that services are provided fairly and consistently, particularly for people with the greatest assessed need. Where statutory social care is not assessed as the appropriate response, staff will still seek to offer advice, guidance and signposting to other support that may help the person achieve their outcomes.   

“We know how important it is for people to feel safe, valued and supported in their own communities. Helping people to live well, maintain independence and access the right support at the right time remains a key priority for the partnership.   

“Anyone who is worried about their own care, or the care of someone they support, is encouraged to contact social work services. Staff will listen to their concerns, consider their circumstances and provide appropriate advice about the support that may be available.”