Charity criticises Telford & Wrekin Council cuts to adult social care

The trustees of Wellington Cottage Care are concerned that Telford & Wrekin Council is considering significant cuts to its services for vulnerable adults.

The charity, based in the former Wellington Cottage Hospital at Haygate Road, is a nurse-led day care centre for adults, of whom many are funded by the council's social services budget.

Chairman of trustees Bryan Benham said: "The board of trustees would view with dismay any cuts in the adult social care budget.

"Wellington Cottage Care represents good value for money in providing facilities for those who might otherwise need costly council-funded residential care."

Mr Benham said he was seeking meetings with local councillors who will shortly make decisions which could affect the future of the centre.

Russell Griffin, a spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "Telford & Wrekin Council has to cut about £10.5 million from its budget for adult social care over the next two years.

"We are still consulting on how we will achieve that and the consultation continues tonight with a public event at Oakengates Theatre.

"We have already said most of the savings needed will be made without a direct impact on care services individuals get and we will continue to provide care for all who qualify for support.

"We have so far made no specific proposals relating to any individual provider but we do intend to review rates paid to providers where they are above the norm, apply a more consistent approach to care entitlement, look for less costly community-based options where they are available and we will be reviewing every care package we provide."

Telford & Wrekin Council is tonight hosting a public consultation to outline planned cuts and get comments and suggestions from residents.

It will take place at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place from 6pm.

The event will involve a short presentation and a number of stalls explaining the key budget proposals.

The council proposes to freeze council tax while launching a two year £15m investment programme targeting the environment and youth unemployment.

At the same time, the council said it must cut a further £22 million by 2016 from its budget because of cuts in Government grant. The council has already made £51 million of savings since 2009/2010.

Wellington Cottage Care was founded by volunteers 10 years ago.

It is open every weekday to guests with a variety and combination of conditions ranging from blindness to dementia.