Rotherham Council’s Cabinet is set to approve proposals for a new service to help prevent financial abuse and exploitation of Rotherham residents.
Plans for the new service include a dedicated specialist investigator who will investigate cases where abuse is suspected, as well as reviewing historic exploitation cases, and deliver financial exploitation and abuse awareness training for key staff and partners.
The new role will add to the existing safeguarding offer within the Council’s Adults Safeguarding Service and the Council’s Trading Standards Service to provide a more comprehensive response for victims of financial abuse and exploitation.
Since 2019, The Council’s Adult Social Care service has received over 1,050 concerns of financial abuse. This counts for about 43% of the number of safeguarding concerns reported, and is the third highest category of abuse over the three-year period.
The number of adult safeguarding concerns relating to financial abuse show that 55% of cases involved those aged over 65 years and that in 61% of those cases the suspected source of harm was a person known to them.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety and Finance, Cllr Saghir Alam, said: “Financial abuse and exploitation can have a devastating effect on people’s lives. It can lead to them becoming isolated and neglected, unable to access items and services they need. The proposed new service will benefit people who have been affected by financial abuse, helping them to get advice and support they need rebuild their confidence and their lives.
“If you are concerned that someone you know is a victim of financial abuse, or have any concerns about any other abuse, please report it as soon as you can.”
Financial abuse and exploitation can take many forms, it can happen to a wide range of people and circumstances, not just those who are supported directly by the Council.
- Someone taking or misusing someone else’s money or belongings for their own gain
- Controlling someone’s purchases or access to money
- Stealing money or belongings
- Taking pension payments or other benefits away from someone
- Forcing someone to sell their home or assets without consent
The signs of financial abuse and exploitation are not always immediately obvious and can be subtle. It can include for example:
- Unexplained money loss
- Lack of money to pay for essentials such as rent, bills and food
- Inability to access or check bank accounts and bank balance
- Isolation and withdrawal from friends and family
If you are concerned about a friend or family member is being financially abused or exploited, you can report it anonymously by going online to www.rotherham.gov.uk/adult-social-care/worried-adult or by calling 01709 822330.
