Local social workers have not been paid for four months; the regional government has withdrawn all funds from the North East Murcia Social Services; and central government has reduced the categories of disabilities qualifying for the Spanish equivalent of Disability Living Allowance (The Law of Dependence).
These moves are just some of the savage cuts, made in the regional and central governments austerity packages in response to the financial crisis, which disproportionately affect elderly, vulnerable and disabled people in Calasparra, according to the Head of the local Social Services Department broadcasting on Radio Calasparra.
The Mayor of Calasparra announced some time ago that the Town Hall would attempt to maintain and fund home care services for the remainder of this year after regional funding was cut.
However, the teleassistance service, which was part funded by the NE SS Department, must now be paid by the client, a total of 30 euros monthly.
Under the new rules carers must pay their own social security contributions, effectively reducing their payments by 175 euros a month.
Three of the lower categories of care needs have been eliminated from the Law of Independence and waiting times for the higher bands increased to two years.
“This means that unfortunately many people die before they receive any help,” said Antonio Moreno of the local Social Services Department.
Some 21 social workers have been working without pay for four months: a situation they hope will change when the Town Hall assumes responsibility for the service next month.
