"D-Day for vulnerable services at County Hall" Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats

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"D-Day for vulnerable services at County Hall" Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats

November 8, 2011 7:59 PM
Originally published by Northampton Liberal Democrats

Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats have condemned the Conservatives new wave of cuts to "preventative services" which were presented at Cabinet today. £4m is due to be cut from services spanning children's centres, police community support officers, mental health, the elderly and the young. This is on top of a £4m cut this year, and a further £7m is due to be slashed in 2013/14 - a total of £15m from the most vulnerable in Northamptonshire.

Cllr Brendan Glynane, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Official Oppositon attacked the plans. He said "Today is a crucial day for vulnerable residents in Northamptonshire. These proposals are a disgraceful assault on the most vulnerable in our county. Children, the elderly, those suffering from mental health problems will all be affected by these savage cuts. Not only that but the Conservatives are continuing their assault on public safety - not content with plunging Northamptonshire into darkness, they are now slashing funds for Police Community Support Officers to keep our streets safe."

"I am worried for those who need help from the County Council. If the Conservatives have their way, local people will find the safety net in Northamptonshire has been ripped up. What makes this worse is, as the recently deposed Conservative Leader of the Borough Council pointed out, these cuts are a result of '6 years of incompetence' from the Conservative administration. It is telling of Cllr Mackintosh that his last duty as a County Cabinet Member is to destroy the services that so many vulnerable residents need. I dread to think what is in store for Northampton now he is Leader."

Cllr Jenny Conroy, Liberal Democrat Spokeswoman for Children and Young People also condemned the plans. Cllr Conroy, who runs an after school club at the Camrose Children's Centre, said "I know how important children's centres are for local families. They are a lifeline for many. The decision to hit young people and families is unacceptable. Last year Camrose and Pen Green had to fight off cuts, despite being nationally recognised by Government ministers. Yet again the Conservatives are targeting those most in need of support."

Cllr Marion Minney, Liberal Democrat Spokeswoman for Health and Social Services said "I cannot believe that the Conservatives are hitting the most vulnerable in this way. Many people will suffer, in particular the elderly and those with mental health problems. Life is already hard enough for people who are struggling. Northamptonshire Conservatives have just made it a whole lot tougher. These are not the actions of a caring administration. Northamptonshire Conservatives should be ashamed of themselves."