Free care a new budget 'burden'

Care for older people is among the pressures on the budget

A social work director has said meeting new guidance on free personal and nursing care is placing fresh demands on an "over stretched" budget.

In a report to Highland councillors, Harriet Dempster said supporting 411 people in care homes with allowances cost an estimated £3.6m a year.

Government guidance says free care should be delivered within six weeks of a need being identified.

Ms Dempster said Highland along with other councils faced budget pressures.

Spending strains

In her report, she said meeting the requirements of the new guidance would place a "further burden" on Highland Council's social work budget.

She added: "Although the guidance is very welcome, it does present the council with some challenges, including financial challenges."

Earlier this week, a councillor was suspended for a week following his opposition to the creation of a new management post in the social work department.

Caol and Mallaig member Bill Clark is unhappy £25,000 will be spent on the six-month appointment set up to identify savings in the budget.