Vital support for stroke survivors living in the county borough is under threat, the charity which runs the service has said.
The claim comes from Stroke Association Wales, which has started a petition asking Caerphilly County Borough Council not to cut funds to services provided within the county, as outlined in its draft budget.
The council has to make savings in excess of £7.2 million in the next financial year, and its cabinet has agreed a list of draft saving proposals that are currently subject to a period of public consultation.
Faye Rogers, of Cefn Fforest, said support given to her was “invaluable” when she suffered a stroke aged 36.
She said: “I thought I was indestructible. I didn’t think I’d ever have any illness, never mind one which was so life-changing. Without help, things would have been far more difficult, and I’d want other survivors to have that support too.”
Bridget Bergin, UK Life After Stroke Services Director at the Stroke Association, has raised concerns that the council’s plans failed to provide a suitable alternative to Stroke Association Wales’ support service.
She said: “The council claims that stroke survivors will be able to access NHS services instead, but we believe this proposal is inadequate and will not meet the wide range of needs of stroke survivors, leaving them without the vital support required to complete their recovery.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Dave Poole, said: “The council continues to work hard to minimise the impact of financial cuts on local residents. In fact, over half of the £7.2 million proposed savings for next year will not have a direct impact on the public.
“We will continue to do our best to prioritise our funding to protect vulnerable people and front-line services, but our savings targets are very tough, and we will need to take some difficult decisions over the next few years.
“I would encourage as many residents as possible to get involved and have their say so that we can define our priorities and deliver a budget that matches the needs and aspirations of our communities.”
The budget consultation will run until January 8. Feedback will then be considered as part of the final budget report which will be presented to the council later this year.
The entire funding for Age Concern Wales (Caerphilly) is also being proposed to be discontinued by CCBC. with much concerns about the effects of bed blocking and social care is this really a good move;?
When set against the wasted money the council spends, including the issue of senior officer pay “is this really a good move?” No, it is not.
But this state of affairs will continue as long as the electorate vote for the wrong people. Or, increasingly, choose not to vote, We get the representation we deserve.