The Champion l Wednesday 14 August 2019
Costs of day centres to increase to cover cost of running services Report by Kenny Parker THE cost to attend Lancashire County Council day centres will increase from October for people who pay for the service themselves. The increase was approved by cabinet at a meeting held last week and follows a consultation earlier this year. In West Lancs, the changes will affect people who attend the two county council run day centres in Ormskirk – the Derby Centre, on Derby Street, and Mere Brook Enhanced Day Care Centre, on Aughton Street. Lancashire County Council runs 13 day centres that offer support for older people and people living with dementia. Activities at the centres include everything from mobility exercises and independent living support, to crafts and discussion groups. The county council says the current rates to attend were introduced five years ago, but no longer cover the actual cost of providing the services. The increase will be phased in with 50% of the increase being introduced on October 1, and the remaining 50% being introduced on April 1 next year,
County Cllr Graham Gooch
when Government pensions are due to rise. Fees will typically increase between £3 and £5.50 in October, and again by a further £3 to £5.50 in April 2020. Variations depend on whether extra support and/or transport is needed. The council says that phasing the increase in this way will give people more time to consider their care options. People who use the centres and who have their fees paid as part of their social care package and the rates they pay are unaffected by this change. County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult services, said: "The tough financial challenges we face mean we have had to look again
at fees and charges for some of our services. The current day centre rates have remained unchanged since 2014, when they were brought in. "They have not kept pace with the actual cost of providing care, which has risen considerably over the past five years. This is largely due to the increased and sometimes complex needs of people who attend our day centres. "It is vital we staff to a level to keep people safe and well cared for, and increasing the fees so they cover the actual cost of delivering the care is a key part of this. "We know that some people will want to reconsider their care options, which is why we're phasing in the new fees. "This will give people the opportunity to plan their care when they know the rate of their Government pension increase for the new financial year." The county council says the fees will be reviewed and adjusted each year to ensure they continue to cover the actual costs of delivering the services. For more information about the county council's older people's day centres visit www.lancashire.gov.uk and search for 'care services we provide'.
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Women's Institute celebrates 50 years of friendship in style! MEMBERS of Tarleton's Women's Institute have hosted their Summer Soirée – when they celebrated 50 years of friendship. County Chairman Jackie Hobson and members of neighbouring Women’s Institute (WI) groups joined them for the celebration at The Courtyard in Tarleton, where they were treated to a fashion show, hand massages, refreshments and fizz. Anne Ball from Tarleton WI said: “The meeting started with a presentation from Jackie Hobson to two of our members who received their
Members Jean Helm and Pauline Forster with Simon Yates from The Courtyard
50 year membership certificates. “We were treated to a fashion show as some of our members were models for the evening
and showed us a varied range of outfits and accessories, from casual to something for that special day or evening. All the models enjoyed their moment in the spotlight! “The models had a lovely treat from Secret Spa in Tarleton; they all had their nails done for their special evening. Secret Spa also gave free hand massages during the evening and discount vouchers to all the ladies present. “The evening finished with a fantastic raffle and the ladies received discount vouchers for The Courtyard, whilst they were leaving.”
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