ADULT CARE TRUST PUT INTO DIFFICULT POSITION BY CONSERVATIVE MAYOR'S BUDGET

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st Jun 2006

OUTRAGE OVER PROPOSALS FOR DUNBOYNE, ST KILDA, FAIRWEATHER GREEN AND MEALS ON WHEELS SERVICE

The Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council has expressed outrage at the difficult position that the Adult Care Trust has been put into by the Conservative Mayor of Torbay, Nick Bye's budget. The Care Trust has had to find a cut of nearly 7% - hitting the most vulnerable people in our community.

Commenting on the recommendations issued by the care Trust today, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council Cllr. Gordon Jennings said:

"The Liberal Democrat Group's concerns include , amongst others, the proposals put forward for Dunboyne in Torquay, St. Kilda in Brixham, Fairweather Green Ward in Paignton and the Meals on Wheels service. These proposals will cause more uncertainty for all those involved. However, the people of Torbay should realise that these recommendations are a direct result of the Conservative Mayor's budget cuts. I would urge people to make their views known at the Care Trust Board Meeting, which is open to the public, on June 27th at the Belgrave Hotel, starting at 9.15 am.

"Of course this is not the first time that a Conservative administration has cut back spending in this area. Many residents will remember the last Conservative administration closed the Furzeham Residential and Respite Unit.

"We are pleased that Baytree House has been saved - in no small part due to the campaign led by the Liberal Democrats."

Ends