Phil Willis MP (LibDem, Harrogate & Knaresborough) will be meeting local care providers on Friday.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for local members of the Independent Care Group (ICG) to put their concerns and views to Phil Willis.

“I try to keep in touch with as many care providers as I can.” said Phil Willis “This meeting is just one way that I can be updated on the major concerns facing local providers so enabling me to take up issues on their behalf.

“I know from my constituency mailbag and from visitors to my surgeries that independent care providers play a vital role in our community.” he added.

The meeting takes place against a backdrop of ‘disappointment and anger’ at the fee settlement offered to care providers by North Yorkshire County Council.

According to ‘Independent Care Matters’, the newsletter of the ICG, “The 1% rise in fees which are already below the rate needed to sustain quality care has been described as ‘wholly unrealistic’ and ‘an insult’. Across the country the average fee increaser is not good at 2.8% but NYCC is well below this – and for care homes who are receiving fewer placements by the Council year on year this is a double blow”.

In contrast the City of York Council has awarded 2.5% to care homes and 3.5% to home care providers.

Notes:

1. Event: ICG/MP meeting
Date: Friday 19 June 2009
Time: 2.30pm
Location: The White Hart Hotel, Cold Bath Road, Harrogate HG2 0NA

2. The ICG (Independent Care Group) is a care association that represents independent care providers in York and North Yorkshire including care home providers for all client groups, domiciliary care agencies, supported living and extra care housing providers and day centres in the private and voluntary parts of the independent sector.

3. Fees for care homes:
NYCC City of York
Residential Care £344.45 £371.78
Residential EMI £389.92 £387.15
Nursing Care £482.07 £517.32