By Shas Sheehan, Parliamentary Spokesperson for Wimbledon Liberal Democrats

Even a cursory glance at the budget figures shows that had the Labour run council wished to do so, it could have safeguarded services for third sector organisations, as well as essential transport for the elderly.

Equally appalling is their readiness to keep groups reliant on these services on tenterhooks while they wait to see whether they will be affected.

The fact that the Labour-run council is prepared to sacrifice the needs of some of the most vulnerable in our society to make a political point is disappointing, to say the least. These are not cuts they can blame the coalition for.

Is it really necessary to cause alarm raising the spectre of withdrawal (or curtailment) of services such as hot meals on wheels and transport services bringing elderly folk to their day centres?

1. Could the council have used some of the unallocated cash reserves they are accruing in their coffers? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’.

2. Could the Labour run council manage its staffing situation to give taxpayers better value for money? Again, a resounding ‘Yes’.

Almost 20 percent of council staff are agency or temporary staff, remunerated at higher rates than permanent staff. That is an outrageously high figure.

Who are these contractors on lucrative short term contracts?

These cuts are unnecessary.

Shame on you, Labour.

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