Disability Wales is shocked and dismayed at Welsh Government’s proposals to enable local authorities to raise the maximum weekly charges disabled people pay for much needed social care and support.
Disabled people, many on benefits, tell us that they already struggle to pay these charges and do not know how they will afford any increases.
DW’s report ‘Barely Surviving’ (2023) catalogued the dire impact of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people.
Nearly 40% of disabled people in Wales live in poverty, however being a disabled person can be expensive. Higher energy bills to keep homes warm, the need for costly specialised equipment and greater reliance on transport are essential areas of expenditure but not fully met by government support schemes or benefits.
Personal care and support is another disability related cost. However, the ‘minimum income amount’ stipulated by Welsh Government in the fairer charging assessment is insufficient to meet the real costs of disability in addition to daily living costs. Increasing the cap will only exacerbate this and cause greater hardship, with some potentially opting out of receiving support.
Rhian Davies, Chief Executive of Disability Wales, said:
As a member of the Expert Group that advised Welsh Government on the development of a National Care Service that is free at the point of need, I am appalled that any consideration is being given to increasing non-residential care charges.
It seems that the pressures on local government finances are being prioritised over the financial pressure on thousands of disabled people for whom social care support is a necessity but have limited means to pay for it.
It is difficult to see from the proposals how Welsh Government can guarantee the claim that only individuals who have the financial means to pay an increased maximum weekly charge will do so.
DW has long opposed any charges for social care and will continue to gather views and case studies from disabled people to inform its consultation response to Welsh Government.
The consultation period ends on 13th May.
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Notes
DW is the national association of disabled people’s organisations striving for the rights and equality of all disabled people. Its core role is to represent the views and priorities of members to government with the aim of informing and influencing policy.
Welsh Government Consultation: Raising the weekly maximum charge for adult non-residential care and support | GOV.WALES
DW’s Report Barely Surviving (2023): Report launch – Barely Surviving: The Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on Disabled People in Wales – Disability Wales
