Labour forced to delay decision on huge 165% increase to home care charges

1.25.30pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 23rd Feb 2006

Cllr Auckland and Cllr Mohammed talking to protesters outside the Town Hall

Sheffield's Labour Council have been forced to delay their decision to increase home care charges. Users of the service packed the Town Hall to protest at the proposed 165% increase to charges and pointed out that they hadn't been consulted in accordance with the councils own rules.

The Labour Cabinet was forced to delay the decision and refer it to a meeting of full council. They gave in to demands for more consultation, but the Lib Dems have pointed out that the consultation is too little too late which leaves little time for real consultation. Lib Dems believe that the decision has already been taken by Labour bosses behind closed doors and, as the councils 2006/07 budget is based on the increase, the recommendation for the 165% increase is unlikely to be changed.

Cllr Ian Auckland, Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet member for Adult Services, said: -

"I congratulate those users who turned up at today's meeting and derailed Labours proposal for the home care price hikes. However, I fear that the decision by Labour bosses to defer the decision is more to do with spin, rather than any genuine commitment to consult and possibly change the recommendation"

"In my opinion Labour have been caught out trying to steamroller through an important decision that may have severe consequences for many home care users in Sheffield. However, despite this setback and regardless of consultation I believe its probable Labour will still put forward the same increase for approval"

"I believe this decision has already been taken by Labour bosses behind closed doors. It has more to do with plugging a budget gap than the effect it will have on the services users. Its typical of the arrogant way in which Labour are running this council"