LIB DEMS' LACK OF CARE

Lib Dem Somerset County Council voted this week to cut the County's budget for social care transport.

This cut of almost £1million is just one of many cuts that the cash-strapped Council chose to make. It increases the risk of Somerset's most vulnerable adults becoming more isolated. This cut has been described by the Council's own officers as 'High-Risk'.

Christine Lawrence, Conservative Group spokesperson on Adult Primary Care, said "I have grave concerns about this Lib Dem cut to a very highly-appreciated service. It will seriously affect many users, especially in rural areas. Local people could become isolated in their own homes, and be unable to reach services that are essential to them.''

Ken Maddock, Leader of Somerset County Council's Conservative Group, added, "The Lib Dems have proved once again that they do not care about the needs of Somerset residents, especially those whose needs are the greatest. It is an outrage that anyone is left feeling isolated in their own home. Conservatives will take a fresh look at this whole question, putting local people's needs first.''

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For more information: contact Councillor Ken Maddock, Leader of Somerset County Council's Conservative Group, 01823 356784 / 01458 850906 kmaddock@somerset.gov.uk, or Christine Lawrence, Group spokesperson on Adult Social Care, 01823 355066 / 01643 707889 cmlawrence@somerset.gov.uk.