The Health Secretary has said reducing care packages during the pandemic is “not acceptable” and urged councils not to cut critical support.

In a statement today to the Scottish Parliament, Jeane Freeman said some care for some older or disabled people had been removed entirely.

It comes after warnings from across Scotland that people would potentially have to go without their normal levels of help.

At the end of last month care bosses in the Highlands said the “extraordinary” circumstances brought about by covid-19 could mean as many as 6,000 residents could see their support packages cut and family members asked to step in to provide care.

In Glasgow and South Lanarkshire concerns were raised that services were being cut back, with the daughter of one Glasgow resident saying she feared her 85-year-old mother would be left abandoned after her daily visits were stopped.

The Health Secretary said: “During this difficult time it is critical that social care support is maintained to ensure the safety dignity and human rights of people who already receive support.

“In addition to the funding directed towards social care in the 2020-21 budget I reached an agreement with COSLA that we would meet additional costs incurred because of the impact of the pandemic.

“That agreement was specifically reached so that both existing and new demands and needs could be met. Alongside this there are additional returning staff also available for deployment to care services.

“So, it is not acceptable to me that care packages are cut, in some instances by 100%.

“I expect the steps I have already taken to be used and if there is more that needs to be done to ensure existing packages are not cut and new demand is met, then I hope colleagues in the sector know that my door is always open and I expect them to come to me with those additional requirements.”

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