Agenda and minutes

David Hirst welcome all to the meeting.  It was noted that despite the work of the Community Liaison Manager that attendance was not as high as it might be.  David said he had seen the effort the CLM had done to publicise this meeting and was disappointed as much for the CLM as for the Members and public.

There were no declarations of interest from attending KCC Members.

Jo Pannell talked about the governments consultation on the future of adult care. A third of Kent’s population are over 65 and the ageing population is expected to keep growing. KCC has pioneered the use of new technology; such as Telehealth and direct payments, which gives people control of their own care. The challenge is how we meet expectations and care of older people with the right resources – see attached PowerPoint. In the next 20 years there will be a £6 billion shortfall in funding needed.

Q. The Chairman said when KCC had its own residential homes Members used to visit them and there was constant complaints that KCC was robbing some of them of their assets whilst those who had not been prudent during their working life were given the same level of service for free and this was unfair and unjust.

David Hirst said he was aware of a number of other injustices. A resident had her “carers allowance” stopped because she was over 60; despite needing to carry on with her carer role.

Jo said she was aware that claiming allowances was not easy however there was government talk of having one generic application for all benefits/allowances.

A number of members of the audience indicated that they would feel very resentful if someone had been feckle and not saved for their old age and got services free whilst others had to pay.

Apparently in Germany single people pay a higher rate of tax to cover their costs in old age as they will not have family to look after them.

Q. I don’t think the state should expect children to look after their elderly parents. Maybe we need an insurance system like they have in America.

David Hirst made the point that we already pay National Insurance. In the USA Americans can opt in or out of insurance and in the UK we can’t.  Everyone working has to pay NI which means we have the best and fairest welfare system in the world.

Joe Pannell said our system in its present form was not sustainable; hence the current consultation.

Q. How do you plan getting feedback ?

A. Joe said there would be submissions from a variety of sources including housing associations, young people’s groups and from individuals.

The Chairman thanked Joe for an informative presentation.

The dates of the forthcoming local board meetings will be sent out to Parish Councils, and local groups, as well as via the KCC website.

A member of the audience suggested that KCC Members could circulate a flyer or poster, or via their surgeries with the public.

There were no additional items notified to the Chair and the meeting concluded at 9.15pm