Fining social services no solution to “Bed Blocking”
November 14, 2002 12:00 AM
A West Midlands Euro-MP has reacted strongly against government plans announced in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech to fine local authority social services that fail to provide sufficient accommodation for infirm elderly people.
Lack of accommodation at care homes leads to the phenomenon known as “bed blocking” where elderly people remain in hospital, using valuable bed space, because there is nowhere else they can go.
Liz Lynne, a Liberal Democrat member of the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said:
“What a crazy suggestion! Fining social services for failing to provide enough long term elderly care will have two effects – put up people’s council taxes and cut services elsewhere. This whole problem stems from decades of under-investment in social services by central government. It is time they tackled this rather than simply passing the buck.”
Earlier this week, Liz attended a social affairs committee meeting to discuss health and long term care for the elderly.
“The aging population is an issue that affects all EU countries. It is important that we discuss the formulation of a common strategy to ensure that economic pressures don’t lead to individuals being left out of the system.”
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats