Sponsored by
County's care providers back fight for cash to save standards
The care industry in North Yorkshire, which has warned for years that under-funding is threatening jobs and businesses, is to help bankroll a new High Court battle for a better deal across the country.
Members of the Independent Care Group for York and North Yorkshire have agreed to dig into their own pockets to swell a national war chest being set up by providers. They warn that unless care providers get more cash from the organisations that use them, like social services and the NHS, standards are at risk.
Chairman Mike Padgham said the calls for action were now overwhelming and "the time had come to take a stand over this issue". "The fees care commissioners like local health trusts and local authorities can afford to pay providers does not reflect how much it costs those providers to give the care and they, and the Government, have to realise that.
"We appreciate that local authorities and primary care trusts are facing financial pressures themselves but the Government should ensure that social care is properly funded.
"Unless a system can be found whereby a fairer price for care is offered, then standards are bound to suffer."
The Fairer Fee Forum has been set up by specialist community care solicitors Aston Brooke and other interested parties to fight for better funding. They are seeking a judicial review over funding and have appointed Cherie Booth QC – Tony Blair's wife – to fight the case, while TV actor Richard Briers is to front the campaign.
The forum has been seeking industry support through organisations like the Independent Care Group to help fund the legal challenge, which is likely to begin within the next few months.
It will need a financial contribution from providers towards the overall cost of the legal action.
Head of litigation with Aston Brooke Raman Purewal said the strength of feeling reflected what he was hearing from independent care providers, but had underlined the seriousness of the situation with one North Yorkshire provider fearing she would go out of business.
The Department of Health said: "Our top priority is to provide the best care possible. Funding of social care has significantly increased over the past decade and quality and value is an integral part of this."
Email to a friend
Print this page- Three-inch blanket of snow heading our way today
- Alan Shearer in list of favourites for Leeds and England jobs: Latest odds
- Barnsley’s Keith Hill invokes Fawlty Towers over link with Leeds job
- McCormack feels United search can be narrowed down
- Redfearn throws down gauntlet as queue builds at Elland Road
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -9 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
