Tories join Lib Dems to force through care cuts

South Wales Echo, 24 Nov

Vulnerable people with learning disabilities in Cardiff have been let down by the Liberal Democrat Council — aided by their Tory allies — who have united to force through a £3 million cut in the budget for their services.

Labour councillors tabled a motion to halt the tendering of supported living services, but the ruling Lib Dems and Tories combined to defeat the motion by 36 votes to 26. Labour's Councillor and Social Services spokesman Richard Cook (Canton) argued that he did not see how the Council could go ahead with a 21% cut in the budget without affecting services.

Residents of Iorwerth Jones nursing home in Llanishen have contacted Julie to express their distress and anxiety over the Council's plans and the uncertainty they have caused. Julie supported the protest held by residents outside County Hall on Thursday and said: "There are discussions going on about the use of Iorwerth Jones by the NHS, but there are difficulties to work out. In the meantime the Council must not distress vulnerable people by cutting the funds available to provide their services and keeping them in the dark by not consulting them properly."