Sadly, Wandsworth Council continues to cut its social services for elderly pensioners.

The Conservative-run council plans to stop home help services provided to more than 1,000 people. By reducing the home care budget it will save more than £2million.

These budget economies are likely to be used to reduce council tax just before next year’s local elections.

In recent years, Wandsworth Tories have reduced luncheon clubs and day care services for pensioners services that maintain and support frail and handicapped older people living at home.

These services also provide vital support for hard-pressed family carers who look after their elderly relatives.

Wandsworth is picking on one of the most vulnerable sections of the community to inflict severe cuts.

As a result, elderly people are unable to live independently in their own homes and are forced to move to residential and nursing homes. The quality of many pensioners’ last years of life is being much diminished.

Wandsworth electors should not be fooled by low council tax. I hope voters will reject this Tory administration when they elect a new council in May 2006.

Published in WBN - Friday 14th October 2005