Sefton Council has been called “disgraceful” over the way it handled setting fee increases for adult social care.
The remarks were made by care home manager Jonathan Cunningham, who addressed a meeting of the council’s cabinet at Bootle Town Hall over plans for a 16% fee increase for adult social care provision across residential nursing and care provision, including for people with dementia.
Mr Cunningham who runs a number of care homes in the borough said the increase was “inadequate” and didn’t reflect the cost of care.
READ MORE: Man in 30s found dead after police called to concern for safety
He said it reflected a trend in Sefton of “underfunding” adult social care which was not reflected elsewhere in Merseyside.
Mr Cunningham slammed the initial offer brought to care providers by Sefton Council of 9%, which was later upped to 16%, saying this was only done “in the face of rebellion and threats of legal action.”
He said that across the sector there was “outrage” over the way the council had behaved over fee increase negotiations.
He said that while the sector’s relationship with Sefton Council had improved during the pandemic, there have been recent challenges, saying the initial offer left many care providers feeling “you were completely out of touch.”
Responding, cabinet member Paul Cummings spoke of the “reality of our situation and the mess the government has left social care in not just in Sefton but throughout the whole country.”
He asked Mr Cunningham where the council “could get the extra money from”.
Mr Cunningham said he “acknowledges the incredible challenges” with the sector but what “stuck in the throats” of care providers was the “pantomime of consultation” carried out by the council.
He said: “You could have just offered the 16% at the outset.”
Cllr Cummings said the situation was “complex” adding that many of the fees involved for adult social care went above the base rate being discussed.
He said: “We do want a thriving care sector” adding he “can’t explain why the initial offer was set at that rate” adding it didn’t reflect where the council expected it to end up.
Cllr Cummings said he disagreed there was a better situation in neighbouring local authorities, adding: “We could play with the figures but a lot is about individual negotiations with individual residents.”
He added: “I don’t feel we get a completely open response from all providers” when carrying out consultations which, he said: “makes our job incredibly difficult.”
Council leader Cllr Ian Maher then thanked Mr Cunningham for his contributions, adding that his petition over the fee increases had been “noted”.
The recommendations for fee increases were then approved by cabinet, with fee decisions relating to daycare and supported living been deferred until a special cabinet meeting on June 8.
Join the Liverpool ECHO's breaking news and top headlines WhatsApp community
READ NEXT
Two teenagers drown as warning issued over open water
Men punched and kicked to ground in 'despicable' attack
Accountant turned drug dealer breaks down in tears after judge's question
Fight in the street leads to petrol being poured over vehicle
Frankie Bridge looks 'flawless' in £46 New Look dress 'perfect for a wedding'
