York Labour cut support for the most vulnerable

York Labour’s Council bosses have confirmed that they are cutting support for the most vulnerable in York through the York Financial Assistance Scheme.

The changes include cutting support with ‘resettlement’ costs from £1,500 to only £500, which will impact on vulnerable residents who need help when moving into a new home. There is also a new monthly spending cap of £20,000 for the whole scheme and a new rule whereby families will be limited to one claim per year instead of two. Residents who will be most affected by these changes include carers, care leavers, people moving out of residential care or supported accommodation, those with disabilities, mental health problems, or have a drug/alcohol dependency, rough sleepers, and people fleeing domestic violence.

York’s Liberal Democrats have hit out at this decision, pointing out that their 2024/25 alternative budget would have ensured that the scheme was fully-funded for the entire year.

Councillor Carol Runciman, York Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health, Wellbeing, and Adult Social Care said:

“The previous Conservative Government cut funding for the Household Support Fund and Labour’s General Election manifesto did not commit to restoring funding. So it is disappointing, but not surprising, that the Labour council is pressing ahead with its cut in support for the most vulnerable people in York.

“This political choice by York Labour will plunge people into ever more desperate situations and will mean that York’s most vulnerable residents simply won’t be able to apply for the help they need when they need it. It will also have a wider knock-on effect on our health services, as some people who are leaving residential care or supported accommodation require this additional support. Taking away this support could result in people staying in residential care longer and potentially costing the Council more than the additional grant would cost.

“At the recent General Election the Liberal Democrats focused on support for carers and fixing the broken care system, which led to a massive increase in the party’s number of MPs. We will continue this fight, holding Labour to account for their decisions locally and nationally.