18 March 2007

Home help hypocrisy as Tories break manifesto promise

In the midst of all the cuts to local services in Hammersmith & Fulham, the Tories proudly claimed that they would not introduce charging for home help services. Now it seems even that manifesto promise has been ditched.

The Tories are planning to introduce charges for a wide range of practical support for elderly and disabled people, from help with cleaning and laundry to shopping. Many residents rely on these basic home help services to lead lives which most people take for granted.

The Tories' commitment to not charging for personal care simply doesn't wash. Their attempt to sneak through another cut in local services is just the latest example of redistributing money and services away from the most vulnerable to wealthier residents to pay for a derisory council tax reduction.

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