Teresa Pearce, Labour’s Shadow
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, responding to the
Local Government Finance Settlement, said:
“Time and time again, this Government
has ignored warnings of the social care crisis, from health, social care and
local government experts and from MPs across the political
spectrum.“
“This Local Government Finance
Settlement is no different to what’s come before. It is all smoke and mirrors –
pushing numbers around but not offering any new money. Shifting the burden on
to council tax payers creates a postcode lottery in social care services.
Wealthy areas will prosper whilst poorer communities will struggle. This was
made clear by the revelation of the sweetheart deal offered to Surrey County
Council behind closed doors, whilst the rest of the country suffers.”
“The brutal cuts handed down by this
Tory government will leave local councils facing a £5.8billion funding gap in
just two years’ time. Libraries, youth centres and Sure Start centres have
closed. Child protection services are creaking. Frail elderly people and
vulnerable disabled people are being left lonely and isolated.”
“This is a crisis made in Westminster
but, as per usual, the Tories are pushing the blame on to councils,
communities, carers and families. The Government must come forward with
immediate funding, as well as a long-term, sustainable and strategic vision for
social care.”
Ends
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