THE LESS WELL-OFF SET TO BE HARDEST HIT BY CONSERVATIVE BUDGET

12.09.07pm GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

Despite receiving 5 and a half million pounds more from the Government than the average Unitary Council, the less well-off in Torbay are set to be hit hardest by the Conservative administration's budget proposals which will be announced today, say the Liberal Democrats.

Conservative Mayor Nick Bye's budget proposals are likely to include:

• inflation busting care charges increases;

• reduced support for disabled people seeking employment;

• reduced support for Torbay's credit union Torbay Pound;

• price increases for community transport; and

• not enough money to meet increasing demands for adult social care and children's services.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group Steve Darling said, "Torbay suffered the shame of being awarded a 'Red Flag' by the Audit Commission for needing to take urgent action on the quality of life for the less well off. The Conservative administration's budget proposals look set to fail the less well off, and keep Torbay's red flag flying for longer."