Plans for a digital switch-over of a lifeline careline system for the elderly could seriously impact those in areas without high speed broadband, a Cheshire East councillor said.

A few weeks ago, the council approved controversial plans to charge the over 85s for the assistive technology (Telecare service) they currently receive for free.

The service consists of a range of devices, such as fall detectors or pendant alarms, which are triggered when someone needs help.

The council is now recommissioning this service with a 'revised model'.

Shelley Brough, head of integrated commissioning at the council, told the meeting of the adults and health committee: "The most significant changes proposed within the new model include the switch to digital services.

"We know that a key challenge for the recommission, and the service longer term, will be the digital switch-over.

"This is particularly because there's still lots of unknowns, including the costs moving forward in terms of digital equipment, and also the timeline is dependent on external organisations such as BT Openreach Virgin Media, etc."

But she said the council was planning a 'gradual transition' and would be working with the Cheshire Connect project group.

"The digital switch-over is proposed around December 2025 so the implications won't be felt early within the contract but later on within the contract as it progresses," she said.

Cllr Janet Clowes (Wybunbury, Con) said she had reservations.

"We are still not certain that all areas of the borough will be connected to superfast broadband any time soon, even under the current strategy for 2025," said Cllr Clowes.

"So we do need to be aware of that. There are always going to be some people who are not going to be able to take advantage of the digital solutions."

She was told individuals without the internet would still have some options in terms of assistive technology but 'it's not the full range of options moving forward through the digital switch-over, unfortunately'.

The Conservative group leader, who voted against the charge for over 85s, also wanted to know how many of the over 85s who lived alone and currently received free careline services had asked for them to be removed.

They will be charged £5 a week, the same as users under the age of 85, unless a financial assessment deems they can't afford it.

Nichola Thompson, director of commissioning and transformation, told Cllr Clowes: "To date, we've had 12 financial assessments requested and we're going through the process, and we've had two people who stated that they don't use the service and have asked for it to be discontinued."

Internet speeds are so scatty in our area that a Macclesfield street was rated last year as one of the worst internet speeds in the west.

Whitecroft Heath Road, in Lower Withington, Macclesfield came in third place for the worst broadband speeds in the North West.

See also: Macclesfield recruitment drive for adult social care as people in sector down 2% nationally.

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