News from Southampton Labour

Sheffield Labour asks “who will look after our old people?”

Sheffield Labour has condemned the Lib Dem administration following the decision to cut frontline services for the elderly.

The council have axed 250 jobs at Sheffield’s Care4You service which provides home care, city-wide alarms, and resource centres.

These job losses immediately follow the announcement of the closure of two residential care homes in reaction to what was seen as an increased trend in care for the elderly at their own homes.

Former Leader, Councillor Jan Wilson, said:

“A week or two ago the council told us that most elderly people were now being helped to remain in their own homes – and because of this two care homes would close due to low demand. Now the council tell us they are cutting home helps. This doesn’t make sense.

“If the care homes are shutting and home help is being cut-back then who is going to look after our old folks?

“Our home helps do a sterling job looking after Sheffield’s elderly and to cut 250 jobs shows not only a lack of respect to the vital role this service plays, but also to the vulnerable people who rely on this service.”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• Water bills hiked as Southampton Council and Southern Water waste public money - 2 February 2012
• Southampton Labour MPs urge constituents to claim free heating and insulation help - 1 February 2012
• Welfare changes hit poorest areas in Southampton hardest - 1 February 2012