An Aberdeenshire councillor has accused the local authority of prioritising money over care in a rancorous row about increasing charges.
Aberdeenshire’s social work committee – which met for the last time yesterday – was asked to approve a 2.9% increase in charges for non-residential care.
The price rise is in line with inflation and is subject to a financial assessment of the person receiving care.
But the move follows the controversial abolition of a cap on residential care fees last year. The social work committee initially voted to lift the 35% maximum contribution cap but later paid back the cash following public outrage.
The committee met at Woodhill House for the last time yesterday – Aberdeenshire’s policy committees are being shaken up – and raised concerns about the plan.
Independent councillor Dave Stewart said: “It’s becoming like the American health system, asking how much money people have.
“We made a terrible decision in 2015. I was proud being a councillor on this committee, I am not so proud now.”
The increase in charges – which was supported in principle by councillors – means bills for people who use care services regularly could escalate by hundreds of pounds.
But councillor Alison Grant responded that council care users have always been financially assessed and charged for the service.
Kathy Davidson, business services manager, added: “We make sure those who can’t pay for services don’t have to pay for them.”
It is understood around 30 Aberdeenshire residents will pay the full bill.
The price increase was agreed in principle, subject to examples of how the change will affect individuals being provided to councillors.