Tories tax Thanet carers.

Last night the ruling Tory administration declined a Labour amendment to withdraw the £10 charge for carers who accompany the more severely disabled on our buses. The move was decried by the ruling group who showed no sympathy or compassion for those less fortunate in our community.

Labour members were accused of being cynical but Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr R Nicholson said, “I was hoping sense would prevail but clearly the Tories were strictly whipped to obey whatever they were told. This charge is estimated to raise £1000 which is nothing in a £24 million budget. Also earlier in the evening the Tories pushed through a new Governance & Audit committee which gives the chair and vice chair £1216 & £279 respectively.

Despite the fact this new committee may go a whole year and not meet! Furthermore in a policy proposal going through the Council at this very moment the Tories intend to create the new role of “Lead members”. There will be at least 12 of them and they are to get £500 each!

So more snouts in the trough but no pity for the carers of the disabled. It was stated last night that ‘nothing is for free’ well I vehemently disagree since many people care without a thought for loved ones or friends. They do a marvellous job, and yes save the country a lot of money besides. But to accuse them of doing nothing for free insults them all and I am sure most Thanet residents would not begrudge this help for the disabled.

I was ashamed that the Council is taking this step, all Labour members voted against this petty move.”

Story Provided by: thanet disAbility forum, 4th March 2009

Please also see this related story:

Bus passes for carers will now cost £10 (Isle of Thanet)