More than 15,000 people fell into debt as they tried to pay their care costs, a GMB union investigation has revealed
Thousands of Scots in social care are trapped in debt as they struggle to meet the costs of their care.
An investigation by the GMB union has revealed that more than 15,000 people fell into arrears for their care costs in Scotland over the past two years.
Of the 15,733 found to be in debt, 6,443 people were registered by local authorities as being the subject of debt management procedures for non-payment of social care charges.
Over the last year (2016/17), 11 people ended up in court for non-payment in 2016/17 – however this was a marked increase from 2015/16 when no proceedings were launched.
The union has warned that the amount of people struggling to meet their care costs is likely to be higher as not all local authorities responded to Freedom of Information requests submitted. Eight councils in Scotland did not reply to the union.
The investigation found 166,835 people across the UK fell into arrears on social care payments, with 78,000 debt management procedures recorded.
“These stark figures show the UK’s social care ticking timebomb has now blown a gaping hole in families’ finances,” said GMB national officer Sharon Wilde.
“The fact more than 1,000 people have been taken to court because they’re unable to pay for their own care – or that of their loved ones – shows the system just isn’t working.
"Meanwhile, our ageing population is creating a huge demand for care staff - but caring is still not seen as a sought after career.”
Charges for non-residential care have been introduced in many authorities in recent years, as councils look to address reductions in their funding.
Jeff Adamson, chair of Scotland Against the Care Tax, said: "We have known for a long time that social care charges drive disabled people into poverty but these figures are truly shocking.
“Not only are people who come to councils seeking help at a time of crisis being driven into debt, councils then take them to court. This needs to stop."
Councillor Peter Johnston, health and wellbeing spokesman for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla), said that authorities are supporting those who are in arrears to manage debts and are striving to reform adult social care.
