Margot calls for fair deal for Age Concern

Age Concern Stourbridge, shortly to become Age Concern Stourbridge & Halesowen, is one of the top branches of Age Concern anywhere in the country. Over the last fifteen years it has built its revenues and strengthened its balance sheet so it is able to offer a more comprehensive service, open 364 days per year, than any similar facility in the Black Country.

The Council contract with Age Concern for the provision of day care services for older people in Stourbridge. Each year Age Concern does more but the annual increase in costs allowed is 2%. A figure which does not stack up against the increase in council tax or more than 4%. Why is it that government (not just our Council) expect the voluntary sector to keep its costs down so much more efficiently than it does itself?

It has been tough on Age Concern. Fuel bills, heating and other overheads are going up all the time. But thanks to the dedication of staff and directors older people in Stourbridge still get an excellent choice of activities and trips to choose from as well as the day centre and the Elton Centre with their excellent lunches.

Margot talked to clients and enjoyed lunch at the Mary Stevens Centre with Ron Dalton and Derek Elton. Ron is retiring as Chairman next year and he will be an extremely hard act for any successor to follow.

Photos: Margot James with Ron Dalton (top) and Margot listening to Age Concern members (bottom).