A disabled man unable to use his arms and legs has won a battle against his local council after it told him it was withdrawing 24-hour care – because they thought he didn't need it.
Mitchell Salter has always received around-the-clock care from live-in carers because he needs help with the most basic of everyday tasks. However, the local authority told the 32-year-old it would be reducing his 24-hour care to just six hours a day from December, making him wonder how he would survive.
After contacting our sister website Birmingham Live, Mitchell has been told he will now keep his 24-hour care, giving him the essential support he needs for his arthrogryposis, which severely limits the mobility of his joints. He cannot move around without using a wheelchair.
Mitchell, from Bilston on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, said he was relieved that Wolverhampton City Council had made a U-turn. However, he is at a loss to explain the authority's original plan to revoke his care, which had made him "want to shed tears".
He explained: "It would have meant no-one staying with me overnight. I can't use my hands at all.
"If I have an accident it would mean I would struggle a lot more than anyone else. This is my right.
"If anything happens or someone breaks in I would be on my own. I also need someone to help me outside because I can't go out on my own.
"They do all my cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing. I have never lived on my own.
"It would create anxiety, fear, stress, and depression, if I am left by myself, especially at night. If someone breaks in, I wouldn't handle it.
"[The council] offered equipment, such as telecare and door technology, but if I am injured or sick, I will not be able to access the technology properly due to my lack of mobility, especially if I am sick or injured." Mr Salter was so angry he had threatened legal action before the council backed down.
He added: "I'm relieved. It was a happy day. But I'm still hacked off with how they behaved."
The authority gave no explanation for the U-turn, only issuing a statement saying: ""The council can confirm that Mr Salter's care package won't be reduced. We will continue to work closely with Mr Salter to support his independence and ensure his long-term social care requirements are met."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
