City of York Council has been urged to rethink its decision to pull funding for a charity’s “lifeline” service to help older people in the area.

Monday, 9 September 2024 12:36

By Dylan Connell

Cllr Christian Vassie, vice chair of the council’s health, housing and adult social care committee

- described the authority’s decision to axe its funding for Age UK York’s older people day club service as a “tragedy for vulnerable people across York”.

But Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, the council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said the decision was made as the authority cannot afford to fund the service after “14 years of austerity cutbacks”.

As The Press reported, Age UK York announced last week that that nine of its day club groups will close from September 30, following the end of its current contract with the council, which commenced in 2017 and brings funding for it.

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