MIKE SIMPSON BELIEVES COUNTY COUNCIL BUDGET DAMAGING

11.00.00am GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Surrey CC

Mike Simpson is concerned regarding vital service cuts voted for by the Conservative administration at County Hall today

Mike said: "The Conservative budget cuts will deeply damage services that South West Surrey residents regard as vitally important. The services set to be reduced include road maintenance, bus services, the youth service and social care services for children and adults. These cuts are simply unacceptable."

"South West Surrey residents expect the poor condition of the roads to be improved, not be allowed to deteriorate."

Many people have already protested about the planned cuts to public bus services and school bus services as many people rely upon them and because buses help to reduce traffic congestion on Surrey's roads.

"I have worked with young people for over 20 years and the cuts to the youth service will mean fewer activities for young people when Surrey residents have been asking for more activities to be provided."

The Budget also includes reductions in respite care for families of children with disabilities to support them in their caring role. This is a backward step as more not less respite care is desperately needed.

The Budget also proposes increasing charges for services to disabled people when they are often on low incomes and can least afford to pay. It is wrong to place these additional costs on disabled people.

Mike Simpson concluded: "Cuts and efficiency savings should be made from administration and back office functions in order to protect vital services that Surrey residents need."