Madam,

I write as secretary of the North Ceredigion Forum for Elderly Care, a group ‘risen from the ashes’ of the unsuccessful campaign to Save Bodlondeb Residential Home which was supported by thousands of Ceredigion residents, alas falling on deaf ears.

Since your Cambrian News report headed 'Error sees 50 confidential reports made public on council website', I have been approached by senior citizens and disabled residents who are extremely grateful to Ceredigion County Council Social Services Department for the adaptation works carried out by them, such as stair lifts, walk-in showers etc to enable continued living in their homes.

However, what also has been expressed by them is their great concern, which needs to be addressed immediately by the council, as to who is privileged to access their written confidential information submitted by them on their grant applications.

The applications demand both financial detail of all their income and holdings to assess their contribution, if any, to the work and also their most intimate medical conditions to qualify for the home adaptations.

The health qualifications are also a condition of obtaining the a Blue Badge.

Reading the article reporting on the dozens of reports classified as containing exempt information published on the council’s website as part of council Cabinet agendas and reports for 2004 and 2007, the forum now asks that both the chief executive and the leader of the council publicly confirm that no confidential information, financial or medical, or indeed any other residents’ matters of a confidential nature confided in them, will be revealed to the public in any form, whether written or verbal.

Residents are vehement that they do not want to share their confidential details with all and sundry, or even councillors, when details of application needs could and should be informed to them for consideration anonymously.

Yours etc,

Pat Bates, secretary, North Ceredigion Forum for Elderly Care.

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