Labour's Budget cuts hit elderly hard.

1.24.55am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 28th Aug 2007

Home care cuts could affect as many as 1400 of Tower Hamlets' older residents

A cost-cutting review of home care services to elderly people in Tower Hamlets by the Council has led to a dramatic cut back in the service to hundreds of older people. Of 524 reviews completed, approximately 37 people have had their service reduced, and 411 have had the service withdrawn completely.The information was provided by Labour Cllr Joshua Peck, Lead Member for Resources, in a letter to members of the Council's cross-party Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Speaking after receipt of the letter, Liberal Democrat Cllr Stephanie Eaton commented, "I am depressed but not surprised by the extent of the cuts, as this review was always intended to save money. The Council seems determined to see home help as essential only if the physical assistance stops people from going into care. But the social interaction, health and hygiene benefits and protection from abuse and neglect that this service provides is at least as important in helping our older people to have safe, happy and independent lives."

The cuts follow from the Labour run Council's controversial 2007/8 budget. Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats presented a viable alternative budget that protected the funding for home care services for the elderly in full. Home care services are currently being provided to approximately 1760 older people in the Borough.