I WOULD like to thank Irene Mace of York Carers’ Forum for highlighting welfare changes that are also affecting carers (Letters, April 18).
The council recognises that carers play an important role. The reductions of benefits for the bedroom tax and council tax support will amount to more than £2 million in 2013/14, yet discretionary funds from the Government go nowhere near matching those reductions.
The council has increased its discretionary housing payment fund to help those on reduced housing benefit and has launched York’s financial assistance scheme to help plug the gap left by the abolition of the crisis loans and community care grants. The council has allocated limited funds to help those most in need, but cannot help everyone affected.
In addition to practical support for carers, the council also commissions a number of support services. Among them is York Carers’ Centre, which provides a range of services including a specialist benefits advice worker.
Carers can also use services provided by Crossroads and Age UK, and the council helps to fund York Carers’ Forum, the carer-led group for adults caring for adults.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, Cabinet Member for health housing and adult social service, Chair health and wellbeing board.
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