THE price of a service that provides vulnerable people in Conwy assistance in an emergency situation could rise for a second time in seven months - by 35 per cent.

Conwy Telecare supports a range of individuals - including older people and those that are disabled, by providing technology within the home.

The service almost doubled in price last September. It is now set to go up again in April.

The last hike meant residents in Conwy pay the highest telecare charges in the Wales.

In their most recent budget, Conwy Council outlined their plan to take the Telecare fee from £5.95 a week to £8 in order to generate additional income.

This comes on top of the extortionate 70 per cent rise only a few months ago last September – with the annual bill going up to £310.25 from £182.

Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, said: “Yet again our most vulnerable in society are being treated with disregard. It is absolutely disgusting that Conwy Borough County Council intend to profit off the vulnerable and elderly in society.

“After the last price hike our most vulnerable residents were left paying the highest Telecare costs in Wales – since 2022 the service has increased 129 per cent. It is vital that these sorts of services are kept low in cost and are not-for-profit. Are we to expect those who have paid into the pot their entire life to now be having to cough up again for their own well-being?

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“Conwy County Borough Council need to get their priorities straight, listen to their own report which highlights an adverse impact to well-being and look after those who deserve it most.”

Conwy Telecare provides customers with equipment that detect falls. Service Users are connected to a bilingual 24/7 monitoring service when an alarm is raised.

Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council, said: “All councillors at Conwy County Borough Council are fully aware of the funding shortfall that the council faces as a result of national pay awards, inflation, energy and fuel prices, and the increased demand for services.

“Just like other authorities across the UK, the council will have no choice but to reduce its expenditure in a number of areas and raise additional income, which is likely to have an impact on the level of services provided.

“It is inevitable that when councillors meet to finalise the budget on February 29, they will have some difficult decisions to make.”

Are you a Telecare customer in Conwy that will be affected by this price hike? Are you worried about this second increase?

Email suzanne.kendrick@newsquest.co.uk