As one of the major organisations supporting older people in the borough, Age UK Merton are shocked at the news that Merton Council has chosen not to reduce the impact of devastating cuts that are being proposed to older and disabled people in the borough.

We understand that the local authority faces a huge financial challenge and cuts to their funding. The Chancellor, George Osborne, in the Comprehensive Spending Review last November, offered Councils the option to raise their Council Tax by 2% to lessen the impact of these cuts.  However, at a meeting this week of our Labour Councillors, they took the decision not to take up this offer.

None of us want to pay more Council Tax but a 2% increase for an average band D property equates to a monthly increase of just £2.30. In total, this would have raised £1.7m for adult social care.

These cuts directly impact on some of our most vulnerable residents. Current plans are to cut meals on wheels, respite for carers, reduce the numbers of social workers and review care packages. These are services which provide the most basic of human needs.

We will be writing to all councillors and specifically to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care to implore them to change their minds before a final decision is made. You can help us by signing our petition or sending a letter to the council. A template is available on our website if that helps, here. 

As we grow older we face new challenges and maybe even illness, loneliness or poverty. Let’s do everything we can to make sure that Merton is a place where we can grow old with the care, support and dignity that we all deserve.