PENSIONERS are boycotting a new charge that means they have to pay £3 a day to travel to day care centres.
The new fee was brought in last Friday for elderly people using buses to Whitecross Community Centre.
Florence Davenport, aged 95, from Old Liverpool Road, has been using the centre for more than 15 years and is one of those not paying
She said: "I came here in the first place for depression and now they are putting this sort of thing in our way so you can't come.
"We would not go out at all without this, we are housebound."
The day care users were sent a letter two weeks ago telling them they would now be charged for transport.
Tess Dickenson, from Haryngton Avenue, Bewsey, added: "We are all pensioners, we all have bus passes and therefore we are all entitled to free transport the length and breadth of the country. Our little journey cannot be bankrupting anybody."
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The pensioners are now expected to pay £1.50 for each single trip, up to a total cost of £10 per week.
This amount is on top of other charges such as meal costs while at the centre.
But unlike other charges, the transport costs are not assessed on a person's financial situation, meaning that regardless of their income they all have to pay the same.
Annie O'Riley, aged 86, from Plumtree Avenue, Bewsey, said: "I'm not paying the charges, we do not think it is fair. I would stay at home if I had to pay."
Many of the volunteers who help to run the day care are also against the charges. Most of those go twice a week and after also paying for lunch they are paying £13 a week for a few hours at the centre.
Volunteer Kathleen Hickman said: "The council must get money for old people, where does it all go?
"They all come on these buses because they are in wheelchairs or have walking sticks."
Pam Smith, head of service social care for older people and people with a physical disability, said: "Following a review of the council charging policy for social care services, we are unable to provide this service free of charge.
"A flat rate was implemented following consultation with service users. This decision was not taken lightly and we wish to continue to provide the same level and quality of service."
Posted by: Bill Green, Paddington on 8:23am Fri 9 May 08
Only a couple of weeks back, we were reading reports on these pages here about how social services had received some top award for dignity in care and now we read this. Elderly house bound residents shouldn’t be forced into such an intolerable situation and those responsible for this decision should hang their heads in shame.
Only a couple of weeks back, we were reading reports on these pages here about how social services had received some top award for dignity in care and now we read this. Elderly house bound residents shouldn’t be forced into such an intolerable situation and those responsible for this decision should hang their heads in shame.
Posted by: bigus_dickus, Warrington on 8:30am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]willy wonka[/bold] wrote:
Fantastic way to treat the elderly. Top marks WBC got to recoup the £700,000 spent on the traffic lights that don't work at Asda somehow.[/quote] Not to mention the pointless wheel that was erected over Christmas
WBC you are scum - how dare you treat our elderly and vulnerable with utter contempt. When the people responsible for this charge reach their elderly years and depend on this service, I hope it bankrupts you.
willy wonka wrote:
Fantastic way to treat the elderly. Top marks WBC got to recoup the £700,000 spent on the traffic lights that don't work at Asda somehow.
Not to mention the pointless wheel that was erected over Christmas
WBC you are scum - how dare you treat our elderly and vulnerable with utter contempt. When the people responsible for this charge reach their elderly years and depend on this service, I hope it bankrupts you.
Posted by: Flash, Warrington on 9:17am Fri 9 May 08
On the picture in the article alone there are 13 people, £3 each and thats £36 per day. Over a week thats £180.00 they are getting from one group alone.
Utter disgrace.
They are trying to instill a culture of respect in the town yet the council may as well have shoved these residents in their homes and locked the door.
On the picture in the article alone there are 13 people, £3 each and thats £36 per day. Over a week thats £180.00 they are getting from one group alone.
Utter disgrace.
They are trying to instill a culture of respect in the town yet the council may as well have shoved these residents in their homes and locked the door.
Posted by: Legion, Warrington North on 10:18am Fri 9 May 08
Warrington council are the scurge of the earth, it surely cannot be just me who is offended by [bold]EVERY[/bold] action they take, seriously never a decision is made by WBC that is not some ill thought out peice of money wasting, or revenue building from its population. Its like the biggest bunch of incompetants ever assembled in one town.
they take from those that need, and give things we don't. is it possible to just not have a council ?
Warrington council are the scurge of the earth, it surely cannot be just me who is offended by EVERY action they take, seriously never a decision is made by WBC that is not some ill thought out peice of money wasting, or revenue building from its population. Its like the biggest bunch of incompetants ever assembled in one town.
they take from those that need, and give things we don't. is it possible to just not have a council ?
This council is an absolute shambles. I would be more than happy for my contributions to fund all care and transport for the elderly. Instead it is used for stupid traffic lights where they are not required. I am wondering if WBC have consulted JMP Consultants on this one?
This council is an absolute shambles. I would be more than happy for my contributions to fund all care and transport for the elderly. Instead it is used for stupid traffic lights where they are not required. I am wondering if WBC have consulted JMP Consultants on this one?
Posted by: Paul Thexton, Formerly Birchwood and Orford on 8:01am Sat 10 May 08
I am disgusted by this. What is the point of issuing bus passes to the elderly. Clearly it's ok to use your bus pass and obtain the free travel you are entitled to unless you want to do it more than once a week. Absolutely disgraceful.
I would sooner pay an additional 10p per fare on the busses for my own trips around warrington to accomodate their apparent £180/w shortfall.
I am disgusted by this. What is the point of issuing bus passes to the elderly. Clearly it's ok to use your bus pass and obtain the free travel you are entitled to unless you want to do it more than once a week. Absolutely disgraceful.
I would sooner pay an additional 10p per fare on the busses for my own trips around warrington to accomodate their apparent £180/w shortfall.
Paul - bus passes don't cover this route as it's more akin (though not totally the same thing) to a private minibus hire by the council. Not the same thing as a scheduled public service vehicle.
Paul - bus passes don't cover this route as it's more akin (though not totally the same thing) to a private minibus hire by the council. Not the same thing as a scheduled public service vehicle.
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