Press Release
David Cameron is 'insulated from impact of policies in the real world' as he tells CBI about ending assessment of policies on vulnerable groups
19 November 2012
Assessment shows no hot meals to 3 blind residents, 2 partially sighted, 24 mentally ill, 4 mentally disabled, 5 with Alzheimer's, 13 with dementia , 2 profoundly deaf, 8 with mental health problem, 17 physically disabled, 11 who are wheelchair bound unable to open door and 5 other disabled residents in Wandsworth says GMB
GMB, the union for public sector workers, commented on David Cameron's speech to CBI when he promised to end the "reams of bureaucratic nonsense" forcing civil servants to check every decision to see whether it is fair to women, ethnic minorities and disabled people.
Paul Kenny GMB General Secretary said“The trouble with David Cameron and his government is that they are insulated from the impact of their policies in the real world.
The Equality Impact Assessment on a proposal to end the daily delivery of hot meals on wheels service for elderly, disabled and frail residents from 1st April 2013 in Wandsworth shows that of the people who will no longer get a hot meal delivered 3 are blind and can't open door or a meal, 2 are partially sighted, 24 are mentally ill and not aware of time or days, 4 are mentally disabled, 5 have Alzheimer's, 13 suffer from dementia , 2 are profoundly deaf, 8 have mental health problem undefined, 17 are physically disabled and need assistance to open meal, 11 who are wheelchair bound unable to open door 4 have a drink related disability and 1 has a drink and drugs related disability.
The Equality Impact Assessment shows that 81.4% have either a physical or sensory disability or are frail. 1.8% has learning disabilities, 13.2% suffer from mental health problems and 3% are other vulnerable people and supported persons. The majority are older residents. 44.3% are aged 85 +, 26.9% are aged 75 -84, 20.4% are aged 65 to 74 and 8.4% are aged 18 to 64.
Are these the people David Cameron describes as bureaucratic nonsense? GMB challenge David Cameron to go out and see the effects of his cuts upon people who have paid into the system their whole working lives
Currently the meals on wheels service in Wandsworth delivers one hot meal a day to residents from a standard menu prepared according to good dietary principles, there is choice of meals to meet cultural and dietary needs. Residents pay for the cost of the meal, but the cost of delivery is subject to the Council's charging policy for social care. Distribution starts at 11am each day.
The Tories want these elderly and disabled residents purchase pre-prepared foods from supermarkets or get a frozen meal delivered to be re heated in a microwave which the council will provide. Where they are unable to heat up the food themselves a care worker, volunteer or unpaid carer could be identified to support them.”
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