Proposed by Councillor Geoffrey Watt

Seconded by Councillor James Keeley

(1) Council notes that 2.4 million pensioners currently receive an average of £60 per week from Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

(2) Council is concerned to note that plans by the Government to create a National Care Service will be funded by the withdrawal of these benefits.

(3) These benefits are a vital support for disabled pensioners and give them the chance to have an independent life with the freedom to tailor their care to their needs.

AMENDMENT

Proposed by Councillor Moira McLaughlin

Seconded by Councillor Denise Roberts

Delete everything after paragraph 1 and insert the following as a continuation of first paragraph:

Though it recognises that Social Security Benefits can contribute to promoting

independence for some, they do not go far enough in addressing the complexities of providing for the future care needs of an increasing ageing population, and also for younger adults with care needs.

(2) Council therefore welcomes the opportunity through the year long consultation on the Green Paper "Shaping the Future of Care Together" to give a Wirral response to it, which represents the views of users of service, their carers, the voluntary and community sector and staff, and also the all-party response of the Local Government Association, Community Well-Being Board, which welcomed the personalised approach to service provision in the future.

(3) Council endorses the view held by ADSS, LGA and service user advocates that with increased numbers needing services, and the requirement to have services tailored more to suit individuals, a more radical approach to funding is required than the present system allows for.

The amendment was put and carried (37:22)

AMENDMENT

Proposed by: Councillor Ann Bridson

Seconded by: Councillor Chris Teggin

Delete paragraphs (2) and (3) and replace with:

(2) Council supports the principle of free personal care but believes this is best delivered through local councils rather than through the creation of a National Care Service.

(3) Council condemns the Prime Minister for failing to back his new policy with any new money and in particular notes that £250m of the £670m estimated cost is to be financed from existing Local Council Budgets.

(4) Council believes that free personal care must also align with the policy of

personal budgets, which puts the individual’s freedom and choice to live an

independent life at the heart of the care system. Council believes that any withdrawal of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance to fund a set of prescribed entitlements would be incompatible with these objectives.

(5) Council authorises officers to bring these concerns to the attention of the

appropriate Government Ministers.

The amendment was put and lost (18:42)

Resolved – That the motion, as now amended and set out below, be approved.

(1) Council notes that 2.4 million pensioners currently receive an average of £60 per week from Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Though it recognises that Social Security Benefits can contribute to promoting

independence for some, they do not go far enough in addressing the complexities of providing for the future care needs of an increasing ageing population, and also for younger adults with care needs.

(2) Council therefore welcomes the opportunity through the year long consultation on the Green Paper "Shaping the Future of Care Together" to give a Wirral response to it, which represents the views of users of service, their carers, the voluntary and community sector and staff, and also the all-party response of the Local Government Association, Community Well-Being Board, which welcomed the personalised approach to service provision in the future.

(3) Council endorses the view held by ADSS, LGA and service user advocates that with increased numbers needing services, and the requirement to have services tailored more to suit individuals, a more radical approach to funding is required than the present system allows for.