THE government has defended itself over the energy crisis which has caused soaring energy bills for care homes across the conurbation.
As reported, one Bournemouth-based care home group said their energy bills per bed could rise by nearly 700 per cent.
A government spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said small businesses already benefit from a reduced rate of VAT for the energy they use.
But Age UK Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset said despite paying the same VAT and Green Levy rates on energy bills as domestic settings, care providers are not subject to the domestic price cap and are therefore not set to receive any energy rebate.
The government spokesperson added: “We understand that people are struggling with rising prices, and we will continue to support businesses, including care homes, in navigating the months ahead.
Read more: Care homes in Dorset face a 700 per cent increase in energy bills
“Small businesses already benefit from a reduced rate of VAT for the energy they use, and the Energy Bill Relief Scheme means businesses will pay less than half the wholesale prices for energy anticipated this winter.
“We have made over £1 billion available specifically for adult social care this year via the Local Government Finance Settlement.”
By law, under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to care for its elderly residents in care homes – this includes ensuring adults (all over 18s) are cared for and, should a care home close down, relocate the residents to a new home.
BCP Council’s cllr Karen Rampton, portfolio holder for people and homes said: “We understand everyone is facing rising costs. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable in our communities and we would encourage any care home service provider facing financial difficulty to make us aware as soon as possible.
“We have plans in place should a care home cease operating and our priority is to always ensure alternative care arrangements are secured for those residents affected.”
Age UK is working with local councils to provide £200 support funds per household to those facing fuel or food poverty and has made more than 150 payments in BCP in September to vulnerable old people.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here