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Carers asked to make donations for cups of tea
Carers in Lancashire have hit out after being asked to pay towards cups of tea and slices of cake offered by the people they care for.
Lancashire County Council is asking domiciliary support staff – who help those with learning difficulties – to "consider making a contribution to the cost of any meals or refreshments they consume".
County Hall chiefs insist it is not compulsory and excludes workers on long shifts.
But the Unite union criticised the move as an "absolute load of rubbish", while learning disability charity Mencap said clients would feel patronised.
Unite shop steward Ann-Marie Moss, who works as a carer in Preston and South Ribble, said: "They say we have to put donations in for having cups of tea, even if we are sitting socialising with them.
"We would be putting donations in for every coffee and every teabag.
"I think it's an absolute load of rubbish and don't think we should have to do this. It's absolutely crazy.
"I disagree with it and I won't be putting any donations in."
Mrs Moss, who lives in Euxton, near Chorley, said the council was also asking for donations if staff had benefited from any taxi journeys.
Mencap spokesman Amy Clarke, who has a learning disability, said: "If I invite someone into my house, they are my guest.
"I wouldn't expect them to pay me money if I offer them a cup of tea or cake.
"If they did offer me money, I would find it quite patronising.
"Having one rule for people without a disability and another for people with a disability is unhelpful and doesn't make them feel independent."
Preston MP Mark Hendrick, whose mother was a home carer, said: "I think it should be a decision for the person involved and there should be no guidance in that area.
"If someone is coming to help you, a cup of tea is fair enough. It seems peculiar."
Mary Lawrenson, Lancashire County Council's direct services manager, said: "In line with national guidance, the county's domiciliary support workers have been asked to consider making a contribution to the cost of any meals or refreshments they consume, which are currently paid for by people with learning disabilities whom they support.
"For some time, people with learning disabilities have effectively been subsidising the cost of their carers' meals.
"We are asking support staff who are not working long shifts and are not therefore sleeping over in the tenant's home, to offer a contribution towards the cost of drinks and meals they consume.
"Support workers have not been instructed to do this.
"We are asking them to reflect on whether this is fair treatment of vulnerable people."
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
