ED Perkins is right (Opinion, March 10) when he says the choice between trimming the budget for care for the elderly or flower displays is a no-brainer.
However the current Conservative administration is actually doing both. The changes in eligibility criteria has led to almost 300 vulnerable residents losing their care support, while many of those still receiving care have been faced with increased charges of up to 600 per cent.
It is also important to point out the context in which these cuts, especially to the vulnerable young and old, are being made. It appears that by the end of March, the Council’s accumulated reserves will be in the region of £33.9 million and the budget for 2011/12 proposes to siphon off a further £2 million of income into those reserves. In the budget debate, I proposed an extra £1.5 million to support adult social care, but this was rejected by the Conservatives.
Finally, Poole Park, with its very attractive flower beds does attract visitors to the town. This in turn helps the local economy. It would be a great shame if we were to lose these beds so I hope there are voluntary organisations out there that would be willing to commit to maintaining the heart of Poole as a beautiful place.
CLLR MIKE BROOKE, Broadstone
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