ANGER as Tories abandon old and vulnerable (Aldershot Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Aldershot Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@aldershotlibdems.org.uk>

ANGER as Tories abandon old and vulnerable

June 16, 2006 12:47 PM

Conservatives are making severe cuts to care services for old and vulnerable people here in Hampshire. There were angry scenes at recent County Council meetings as Lib Dems fought to stop them. But the Conservatives who run Hampshire ignored the pleas and pressed on with the cuts.

Courtbourn is to close after 106 years

Five older people's homes are set to close, including Courtbourn here in Farnborough. This home for frail elderly people has stood for 106 years as a wonderful caring home. Now it's to go, along with four other homes, including Chrismas Lodge in Aldershot.

Charges for care services are also to be hiked up massively. If someone can't pay the full cost of their care they will now be left with just £1 a week to spend on "luxuries" for every £5 they were previously allowed to keep.

Consultation is also to take place on a proposal to prevent many people from qualifying for care services altogether in the future. The consultation will propose that no-one will qualify for care services in the future until their need has been classified as "critical"!

Lib Dem campaigner Hazel Manning said: "What a disgraceful way to treat our old and vulnerable. People who fought for our freedom and who have made massive contributions to our society should be treated far better than this!"

Liberal Democrats will continue to fight these moves all the way!