Band 5 will spoil 2002

3:36pm Wednesday 9th January 2002

The new year is upon us but Harrow residents will find little cheer in Labour's recently unveiled Budget plans.

Cuts in services and benefits, as well as a massive Council Tax hike, are already being planned. But there is more.

Last year, Labour tried to introduce their Band 5 home care charge. Labour's Band 5 'tax' attacked the independence and quality of life of Harrow's elderly and disabled residents.

Thankfully, sustained pressure from Harrow Conservatives, care organisations, carers and home care clients forced Labour to postpone Band 5's introduction.

I say 'postpone Band 5's introduction', for Labour has been suspiciously silent on their intentions for the coming year.

Why haven't they pledged to abandon Band 5 for good?

Or is Labour hoping to sneak Band 5 through when the public's attention is turned elsewhere?

Come on Labour, give elderly and disabled residents of Harrow something to cheer about this Christmas announce that your Band 5 'tax' plans are not just postponed, but permanently scrapped!

Cllr Adrian Knowles

Hatch End