Essex: Lib Dems demand more money for social care

3.00.00pm GMT Tue 5th Dec 2006

A promise has been made to actively seek more government funding to support care in the community services in Essex. In a debate called by the Liberal Democrats at county hall today (5 December), the Conservatives agreed to support Lib Dem recommendations on securing more money for social care needs.

Cllr Mike Mackrory, Liberal Democrats deputy leader, said: "We are concerned that the NHS funding crisis is causing real problems to our constituents as this council's social care service is forced to pick up financial shortfalls in the NHS. With added pressure on the funding available for vulnerable and elderly residents, this will inevitably result in support services being dropped for residents with needs less than critical. This is not what taxpayers expect from council services.

"We feel that the situation requires some fresh thinking and new ideas. Consequently, we have suggested that the NHS and social care services are so closely linked that joint funding for the two services should be considered as a medium to long term aim.

"The Liberal Democrats have asked for greater cooperation between the political parties in an effort to secure the maximum funding for the people of Essex. The Conservatives have agreed to this and we will be keeping up the pressure on them to come good on their promise", Cllr Mackrory added.