Campigners fear they’ll lose out

ESSENTIAL services for disabled people are being cut in Camden, according to campaigners.
Disability in Camden (Disc) say dozens of disabled people are suffering after a review by Camden Council cut their hours of help or removed it entirely.
The Town Hall says the ‘fair access to care’ assessments are designed to make sure the people who need help the most get it and that only those with “low or moderate” needs are losing out.
But Disc warns that “many feel the quality of their lives have been substantially reduced, and much distress has been caused by these cuts”.
Disc’s Sally Dixon said: “The very least Camden could do would be to fund a good independent advocacy service so that those who are having their hours cut could challenge that decision.
“A lot of disabled people are used to playing down the difficulties they face, rather than get the help the deserve.
“For example a man who has trouble bending over to tie his shoes may insist that he can go out in slippers rather than admit he needs help.”
Several disabled people have come forward to complain that they can no longer take baths and feel isolated without help, but most are fearful of giving their names in case they suffer further cuts.
Jack Chevalier, who had his hours cut, said: “I understand Camden Council have to save money.
“Perhaps they could do it another way because I feel it is unfair.
“I feel that I am just part of the overall system designed to cut costs, rather than being judged on my needs.”
A Town Hall press official said: “Some service users being re-assessed may therefore no longer receive the same level of service they had done prior to the FACS eligibility framework.
“However, the council is required to use this framework to assess individual needs and it is designed to ensure more equal access to services across all ages and types of disability.
“It is also designed to prioritise resources to meet those needs which pose greater and more immediate risk.”