UNDERFUNDING ANOTHER FORM OF STEALTH TAX (04/02/02)

Conservative Councillors are extremely concerned by the Government’s underfunding of Somerset’s Social Services department.

Conservative leader, John Smeaton commented, ‘It is deeply worrying if it is now Government’s policy to increase our responsibilities for the care of the elderly and infirm and at the same time remove a significant amount of funding from the Council. We will receive over £2million pounds short this coming year. The Labour government is taking pressure off the National Health Service by passing over some of its responsibilities to us, but without the finance to deal with it.

‘However, the Conservative Group intend to support the good work of Social Services and ensure our frail and elderly get the best possible care, which they deserve.’

Conservative spokesperson for Care and Safety, Elaine Waymouth, added, ‘Somerset has been treated badly by this Labour Government and people should be aware that this is yet another form of Tony Blair’s stealth taxes.

This time it affects those frail elderly people who require nursing home placements. We put the Liberal Democrat administration at County Hall on notice that we shall be making sure that any increase in Council Tax to fund this shortfall is spent in the right areas and in a responsible manner.’