COUNCILLORS yesterday hit out at budget saving proposals to reduce night staff at Newport Council’s four Extra Care schemes for the elderly.

Labour councillor Paul Cockeram raised his concerns about proposals to reduce the number of staff working during the night at Capel Court, Glyn Anwen, Wellwood House and Willowbrook at a full council meeting.

He claims the reduction, which is part of a proposed budget saving totalling £435,000 for home care services, would leave one warden responsible for overseeing 40 people every night - a move he branded “not acceptable”.

His colleague Cllr Gail Giles said there was much concern amongst all members of the overview and scrutiny forum for housing and community services, who were asked to discuss and comment on the proposals at a meeting on January 13.

She said: “This is a very important issue, there is great concern about leaving one person caring for 40 people a night.

“That is a horrendous thought. Extra care is extra care, they are there for a reason.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Gill Ford, who chairs the committee, echoed their concerns: “I think it’s fair to say we all felt in agreement and we were all felt horrified,” she said.

But council leader Matthew Evans reminded them that the issue was still part of a public consultation and no decision had yet been made.

Extra Care Schemes are an alternative to residential care, which aim to provide a safe and secure environment where residents can maintain independence, privacy, dignity and choices whilst living in their own flat.

The home care service is currently provided over a 24 hour period, 365 days a year, by on-site Newport Council home care staff.

Care is provided on an individual basis according to a care plan agreed with each residents and all flats within the schemes are linked to Newport City Homes 24 hour control centre which use telecare technology to alert staff members to any problems.