People who die in ‘sheltered’ accommodation may not be found for several days as funding cuts mean staff numbers are reduced at the housing schemes, a tenants’ group has claimed.
Residents of sheltered housing schemes in Essex whose funding has been axed by the county council may face going into care – costing the council much more than the axed grant.
The Chelmer Housing Partnership, which provides sheltered homes for 920 vulnerable and elderly people across mid-Essex, including in Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers, has been told its annual grant of £250,000 will be cut.
This is part of an overall £2.2million cut to similar schemes across the county.
For the Chelmer residents, this means there will no longer be managers to ensure people are well and coping – the homes will no longer be “sheltered”.
Tenant Colin Rolfe, chairman of the Chelmer Residents’ Voice Committee, said: “Anyone who dies may not be found for some time. People coming out of hospital needing care packages will not get them.
“Sheltered housing means people can live independently. If they have to be taken into care, they will become the responsibility of Essex County Council. The council, and ultimately the tax payer, will pay to place these residents in homes.”
A meeting of the council’s finance committee on Tuesday confirmed the cut of Housing Related Support, an agreement between housing providers and councils to help people live an independent life with support from scheme managers.
However, after a speech by Mr Rolfe the council agreed to meet Chelmer Housing Partnership to see how it could help.
Dick Madden, county councillor for adults, said: “The council is totally committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents. But how we do so is changing, and instead of a one-size fits all approach, we will be targeting support where it is needed.
“We have no intention of leaving providers like CHP or the residents they support high and dry, which is why we have been working with them on this transition over the past 18 months. We will continue to work with them to help them find alternative resources and funding opportunities to ensure the safeguarding needs of all are met.”
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