MP CALLS FOR REVIEW OF DAY CARE CHARGING

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 11th Sep 2007

Following a meeting with Age Concern South Lakeland this morning, local MP Tim Farron has called on Cumbria County Council to review the introduction of charges for day care on 1 October. The council is introducing the charges after a consultation which many groups have said was botched.

Tim met with Age Concern South Lakeland Chief Executive Sonia Mangan this morning to discuss the situation, and offered to write to the County Council to ask them to refer the introduction of the charges, and the consultation process to their overview and scrutiny committee. In the meantime, Tim has also asked them not to introduce the charges as planned on 1 October.

Speaking after this morning's meeting, Tim said: "Older and vulnerable adults have not had their views taken into account. Day care charging could have a big impact on many people locally, and could reduce the demand for day care services. The County Council owes it to local people to take their views fully into account."