HAVING announced plans to slash funding for the care of vulnerable elderly people, it is regrettable, though predictable, for Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing to attack anyone who suggests an alternative way.

The Conservatives have shown how basic services can be protected, but Labour are wedded to extra Cabinet allowances, trade union funding, vanity projects and political point-scoring by taking away basic services such as bins.

The ‘consultation’ into elderly care has been totally discredited with inaccurate letters, impossible questions and misleading choices given to people.

There has in reality been no consultation and people I speak to invariably oppose the changes. Coun Simpson-Laing should be honest on what Labour means by consultation: it is a simple “Does Coun Alexander want it to happen?” If he does, his 25 colleagues will dutifully nod.

Whereas the cut to elderly care is a needless cut, Coun Simpson-Laing yet again blames the Government. Due to the mess of the previous administration, cuts nationally do have to be made. Before the election Labour said they would cut roughly £100 billion per annum, yet now oppose every single cut.

They are treating people like idiots, but fortunately most voters have rather more sense than Labour politicians.

Chris Steward, Conservative councillor Rural West York.