Monday's council meeting was a disappointment as it was clear that Wirral Borough Council is not taking our concerns or the big issues here seriously. Some progress has been made after carer representations. The initial reopening of respite bookings from April to June had now been further extended to the end of August. This will allow carers more opportunity to plan their lives, especially the ability to book summer holidays which was being denied to them. It is still scandalous the the Labour administration is not allowing their members a free vote on this issue but are using the party whip to stifle opposition. Equally the determination to restrict the final decision to the official who proposed and clearly favours closure along with the cabinet member with responsibility for social services is a further attempt to prevent proper public scrutiny and accountability. We need the fate of respite on Wirral to be clear, open and transparent which is being forestalled by every trick in the book so let us all use democracy to our advantage :- - Write to your councillors; - Email your councillors; - Attend any ward meetings to press our case; - Make specific councillor surgery appointments; - Let them know that this will influence your voting; - Contact your MPs who have so far been very quiet on this issue - do not be fobbed off with "local issue" excuses as they can and should be exerting influence on WBC Finally, do not rely on others to do this for you - EVERY VOICE COUNTS AND IS NEEDED