ERGC calls for more public funds
The £15,000 refurbishment — £10,000 from ERC and £5,000 from the charity — will allow the child easier access around the family home.
However, ERGC founder Russell Macmillan says that it could be the last additional living space to be part-funded in East Ren amid government budget cuts.
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Hide AdRussell told The Extra: “Is this the last semi-publicly funded additional living space? According to Scottish Government rules, the council has to provide a downstairs wet room, but they’re no longer required to provide what’s termed as additional living space.
“The government funded the £20,000 downstairs bathroom — but the mum and dad still had to carry their severely disabled child upstairs.
“Frontline workers are having to go to carers and say put a bed in the living room. In some cases, that works — but many modern homes don’t have space.
“I’m asking on behalf of the vulnerable: is this the kind of society we want, where carers are left in an impossible situation?
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Hide Ad“I believe the government either needs to raise more income tax, or allow councils to raise more money for disabled aids.”
Russell, who founded ERGC as a way of giving back to the community after a life-saving double transplant, thanked the council for “scraping together” discretionary funding, but added: “This is where you see cuts hitting at grassroots level.
“It was a real team effort between ERC, Good Causes and local businesses to provide the hoist. But there’s no more money for others. in similar circumstances.”