OLDER Citizens Advocacy of York (OCAY) submitted a bid for funding to the council this year, along with the York Credit Union and the Older People's Assembly.

These bids were considered by the executive leader and advisory panel on March 22.

OCAY was advised that our bid had not been successful because budgetary restrictions meant that only existing agencies funded by City of York Council were able to be supported.

We were advised that the council only had around £1,000 remaining in its budget, once existing service agreements had been covered, and that the members had elected not to allocate any of this amount to the three organisations bidding for support.

I since read in the Evening Press, that Coun Steve Galloway was pleased to announce that it had been discovered that there was in fact a council underspend of £100,000 (June 24).

A decision was apparently made, in the light of this sudden finding of funds previously not available, to grant £25,000 to the York Credit Union.

No mention was made of the bids submitted by us or the assembly.

While I would not disagree that the credit union is a worthwhile organisation, I feel very strongly that once again, older people are apparently being left out in the cold.

OCAY offers a unique service here in York - and I believe in the whole of Yorkshire - in offering specialist advocacy for older people.

Our referrals are growing each year, proving that the older citizens of York feel that they need support to make their voices heard.

Support for our work from the city council is notable by its absence.

Older people do have a voice and with our help are, bit by bit, making that voice heard. When are the council going to hear it?

Linda Tester,

Advocacy service manager,

OCAY,

Townend Street, York.

Updated: 09:41 Thursday, July 14, 2005