Wrexham Council Announces Changes to Telecare Services

Telecare users across Wrexham County Borough are being advised of ‘phased changes’ to the service.

The Telecare service will become part of Social Care and will be an important preventative service available to adults and children who need support to maintain their independence.

As part of the Councils Difficult Decisions Budget Consultation, Wrexham County Borough Council Executive Board approved a new business case for Telecare that sees the cost held at the current flat-rate charge of £3.69 per week and introduces this charge for the first time to some service users that currently receive the service free of charge.

There are 3500 vulnerable people in Wrexham who rely on Telecare Services.

The introduction of the charge to all service users will be phased in to reduce the impact on any individuals and welfare rights advice will be available to help people maximise their income.

Councillor Joan Lowe, Lead Member for People – Health and Adult Social Care said: “It is important that the Council develops a fair charging policy to ensure we can continue to provide this important service on a sustainable basis.

“We want to hear directly from service users to ensure that we understand what the impacts of this change will be and offer the correct support to ensure that any negative impacts are kept to a minimum. Dedicated phone lines have been set up within Wrexham Council’s contact centre to answer questions and provide advice to those affected”.

Those affected will receive an individual letter explaining the changes. Telecare service users who have concerns about the new charging policy can contact the council on 01978 292066