Social care funding demand after cuts

Councillor Abdul Jabbar

OUTRAGED Oldham councillors are united in fighting Government cuts after it emerged the borough has been hit twice as hard as the national average.

They voted unanimously at a full council meeting last night to demand more funding for social care saying they are fighting for the survival of basic services.

Oldham Council has looked to make savings to compensate for more than 42 per cent of budget cuts in real terms since 2009/10.

Many services in the borough have been cut due to the Government's austerity regime which nationally saw an average of 22 per cent in budget cuts across the same time period.

Challenge

Labour councillor Abdul Jabbar's motion to call on the borough's three MPs to challenge the Government's approach to spending and fight the cause of social care was backed by all fellow councillors.

He said: "Here in Oldham we have fared much worse. Everyone in this room is aware of the funding crisis we have with adult social care.

"There is a funding gap of £2.9b nationally.

"Government is trying to dump this funding crisis onto the local tax payer instead of funding it from Westminster.

"We were outraged when we saw the Autumn Statement.

"I'm very pleased this is a cross-party decision to go back to Government.

"The people who want this service in their old age have contributed to the economy during their life and it is right that we support their needs."

Oldham Council determined to write to the borough's three MPs urging them to challenge the Government's approach to public spending.

They also resolved to work through the Local Government Association to fight the cause of social care and to secure funding for the cause.

Councillor Jabbar added: "Oldham Council has responded to this massive challenge by competently and efficiently redesigning many of its services to minimise the impact on citizens of Oldham."

Liberal democrat councillor John McCann who seconded the motion said: "I think the Government is trying to switch the funding of the elderly and sick from their problem to the local authorities.

"The Government is ruining local authorities like Oldham and will end up killing people because they will eventually be unable to access basic care.

"I think it has come to the point where all of us are fighting for the survival of our basic services."

Problem

Conservative councillor John Hudson said: "I think this is a national problem which needs to be dealt with nationally.

"I think this is in the interests of the people of Oldham and sincerely believe a lot of Conservative voters will agree.

"This will hopefully show the Government it is a serious issue affecting everyone."

A statement on the motion said: "This council resolves to continue to provide support to Oldham's residents, for example through the Welfare Rights Service, to do what we can to alleviate the difficulties faced by many of our residents."