Labour reduces service to residents with HIV, drug and alcohol problems and vulnerable adults

1.04.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 9th Jan 2007

Following its attack on older people in the Borough, the Labour Cabinet has also decided to reduce the service it provides to residents with serious health care and social problems. Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Stephanie Eaton, commented that "yet again, the budget cuts fall on those people who are the most vulnerable in our community. The effects of a reduction in services to people with HIV, drug and alcohol users and vulnerable adults could be devastating for this group".

Cllr Eaton continued "It is well known that drug and alcohol abuse is closely associated with mental health problems, crime and anti-social behaviour. The Council constantly claims to be listening to residents' concerns about these matters, yet it is cutting a service that could make a real difference to people who need some support in order to tackle substance abuse."

Thankfully, levels of HIV infections appear to be falling, however, the stigma and discrimination suffered by people with HIV continues. If anything, the need for support for vulnerable adults such as those with learning disabilities is growing, as more disabled people live in the community.These cuts in social worker posts will hurt those people who are already troubled, ill or stigmatised. Tower Hamlet Liberal Democrats will be campaigning against these reductions to an important service.

The proposal to scrap one and a half social worker posts will be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday January 10 at 1730 in the Town Mall at Mulberry Place, E14 2BG. Members of the Public are welcome to attend.