LIKE the Lib Dem social services executive member Coun Sue Galloway, I too welcome the increased spending on many additional projects and initiatives in the council's social services which are to be available to York residents.
But Coun Galloway fails to acknowledge that this additional expenditure is only made possible because of generous grant allocations this year from the Labour Government.
The cuts in other areas of the social services budget, however, affecting the elderly, those with mental health problems and the disabled, are choices which will be exercised by the Lib Dem group on the city council, and by Coun Galloway in particular.
They are only necessary because the ruling Lib Dem administration has mismanaged the council's budget since it took control almost two years ago, and, in particular, by its profligate increased spending on pet projects in its first year in office.
If these Lib Dem cuts proceed, as the 2005 budget-making process is finalised, we will see some of the most vulnerable groups paying the price for Lib Dem irresponsibility.
Coun Sandy Fraser,
Labour spokesman for adult social services and health,
Millfield Road, York.
Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, January 19, 2005
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