Morally wrong (From York Press)

Morally wrong

11:31am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Letters By Reader's letter

I know Coun Levene is new in post, but inexperience is no excuse for making a decision on salt bins that is morally wrong and potentially unlawful (The Press, October 18).

At the call-in meeting, he was asked whether the remaining salt bins were targeted on areas where the most vulnerable residents are.

The answer was no – the decision was taken purely on how the bins are funded. The council has a legal duty to ensure that when taking a decision it has understood the implications for groups such as the elderly and disabled.

It must consult with these groups and consider what measures may be necessary to mitigate changes.

Coun Levene approved a report that said the salt bin cut would discriminate against the elderly, disabled and vulnerable in York. He did not consider or explore this. He did not consult these groups or seek mitigation.

This Labour cabinet talks about fairness, but targets a pernicious cut of £8,500 at the most vulnerable in society, while adding an extra £30,000 in allowances for its own councillors.

Coun Nigel Ayre (Lib Dem), Heworth Without.