CONWY Council is to scrap an allowance used to encourage adults with learning disabilities to attend day service centres.
Conwy Council’s Cabinet has decided to scrap the daily 80p handout completely in two years and reduce it beforehand, claiming it is “unfair” and “delivered in an outdated manner”.
The move comes after the council reviewed its adult social care service at the end of last year.
A Conwy Council Spokesman said: “Conwy recently carried out an extensive consultation exercise about the Attendance and Incentive Payments that some people with a learning disability receive when attending day services.
“Some of the payments paid were based on an historical formula devised some 30 years ago and were found to be inconsistent, delivered in an outdated manner and unfair across the county.
“Whilst many people valued the payments, many also recognised that this may not be the best way forward in 2012.”
The council has agreed to protect a reduced incentive payment for two years until the current system is phased out.
Karen Warner, of Learning Disability Wales, said the move would have an adverse effect on some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“Often people with learning disabilities and their families rely on this, even if it’s just to pay for their lunch on the day.
“It’s another cut to services and benefits and it is leaving vulnerable people hardpressed.”
Cabinet member for Social Care and Health, Cllr Liz Roberts, said: “I understand that this change may be difficult for some.
“We are also sensitive to that fact that every situation is different, which is why we are making sure that all those affected have a chance to speak to relevant staff over the next few weeks before we implement the changes.
“Conwy, like most other local authorities, is facing many financial challenges ahead, which is why we are trying to involve stakeholders in the decisions being made and the way we are introducing them.”