Disabled woman put into debt as care costs hiked by Swindon council

Vicki Angood has been using a mobility scooter since 2017 having been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2007.

She had been paying a weekly care contribution of £25.70 to Swindon Borough Counci for carers to assist with personal care and daily living , but that has been raised to £121.80.

Vicki, also has spinal issues, was told that the payments would be backdated, meaning she is now £1,700 in debt.

The Highworth resident says she worries she will have to rely on food banks and “cannot live like this”.

“How is this allowed?” she told the Adver. “How can they arbitrarily put someone into debt like this?

Vicki has been using a mobility scooter since 2017. (Image: Dave Cox)

“I am furious about it as it is not my fault that they have not done the checks they are supposed to do each year,” she said.

“I don’t know how I am going to afford the payments that they want each month and I know I am not the only person in Swindon that they have done this to.

“The council have very little money evidently and they are trying to draw it back from everywhere but are supposed to be looking out for our best interests.

“It is the unfairness of it all, that is the real kicker as they have put me into debt while nothing has increased over 400 per cent.

Vicki says it has affected her mental health. (Image: Dave Cox)

“I am all for paying what I can and contributing to it but do not increase it by that amount, this is like a payday loan shark.”

The 51-year-old’s mental health has been affected by the unwanted ordeal leaving her feeling depressed.

“This whole episode with the council is massively affecting my mental health which was not good anyway,” said Vicki.

“I feel like I am spiralling downwards at the moment because where am I supposed to find the extra money from just like that?

Vicki suffers from Fibromyalgia. (Image: Dave Cox)

The Adver contacted Swindon Borough Council for a response regarding Vicki’s situation.

A spokesperson for SBC said: “It would not be appropriate for us to comment on individual cases.

“All financial assessment reviews are completed based on evidence of income and expenditure provided by the individual themselves.

“However, we are always happy to discuss any concerns an individual may have with regards to the calculation of the weekly contribution towards their social care.

“We would remind anyone receiving care and support services from adult social care who have any changes in their income or expenditure to contact us as soon as they can for a review of their client contribution.”