Letter to the Editor: Say no to contributions cost increase

This will affect 320 people.

The cost impact for the majority will be an extra £10 to £30 a week.

However, some face a £40 to £60 increase.

Why are estimated savings already included in the council’s budget that will be set before the consultation is even over and no decison made?

Why have officers not followed the outline consultation process agreed by councillors?

Committees discussed the budget before service users and carers were told of the proposed increase.

Four years ago, the previous administration proposed a hike from 50 per cent to 100 per cent.

Under pressure from campaigning service users and supporters, this was reduced to 75 per cent.

Call me cynical, but I suspect that political party, now in opposition, to champion those hit by this proposal.

Councillors, whatever your political group, please read the online scrutiny panel minutes of January 2011 and consider previous representations and panel comments, particularly on budget priorities, moral responsibility and formulating consultation procedures.

The estimated savings are not that great in relation to the council’s budget of millions, but will impact hugely on those affected.

How can you set a budget reliant on the introduction of a new contributions policy?

Is there a back-up if this shoddy consultation exercise, with no equality impact assessment so far, is legally challenged?

Have lower increases even been costed?

Is it right, or does it make sense to look for additional income for adult social care by increasing contributions from people needing support themselves?

I hope the council will not balance its books at their expense.

Most other London councils may well ask for 100 per cent.

I would like to think Kingston is unlike most.

Let us hear no more in the future on caring for the elderly and the vulnerable from anyone who votes for this 25 per cent increase.

LYNNE FINNERTY
New Malden

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