'Let’s care for the people who care for us': Councillor’s tribute to staff who cared after his wife as authority agrees to travel expenses review

During an emotional debate, a councillor who proposed a motion calling for greater support to be given to carers praised staff who nursed his wife before her death.

Stan Bates urged the local authority to take action over concern carers lost earnings due to providers setting “unrealistic” travel time estimates between visits.

The South Elmsall and South Kirkby councillor told a meeting on Wednesday (January 28): “I think most of you know my wife died in July of last year.

“Following that, I stood in this chamber and thanked the care workers and praised them for the work they do.

“I don’t think people really understand what is involved in what they do.

“I think they are grossly undervalued, underpaid and overworked.”

Coun Bates paid tribute to the carers who looked after Maureen, his partner of 20 years, for two years before her death.

He said: “People don’t realise how much they get involved emotionally and physically.

“They become friends, they become part of the family, they become part of the daily routine.

“She looked forward to seeing them.

“They are important as any other in the care industry – doctors, nurses – it’s essential work.

“They save the public purse money.

“In my wife’s case, she could come home from hospital, otherwise she would have faced being in a care home.

“I just urge everyone to vote for this. Let’s care for the people who care for us.”

Last year, campaign group Fairer Carer Pay said about 500,000 care workers nationally were underpaid by thousands of pounds a year because many did not get paid for their travel.

Coun Bates’ motion said care workers were “either forced to rush essential care or work additional unpaid hours”.

According to Fairer Carer Pay, some companies only paid staff when they delivered care.

In its survey last year, the organisation found that 71.8% of home care workers who responded were paid below the minimum wage once unpaid travel time was accounted for, with an average shortfall of £2.51 per hour.

The council now plans to carry out an assessment of whether travel allowances are “sufficient, taking into account distances realistically travelled” around the district.

Seconding the motion, fellow Unity group councillor Pete Girt, said: “Person-centred care is at risk when care workers are overworked, underpaid and demoralised.

“Calls are rushed. Dignity, respect and independence are gone.

“The very thing we all support – a good care sector that runs in partnership with the NHS – falls apart.

Coun Girt added: “In what other job would you start work and, for huge chunks of your day, not get paid?

“It’s an important motion and we need to look after the people who are caring for our residents.”

The controlling Labour group also backed the motion.

Michelle Collins, cabinet member for adults and health, said: “People who do one of the most challenging jobs in the world need paying properly.

“Ultimately, when people aren’t looked after properly it costs us more in the long run.”