Conservatives' Cuts to Disability Allowance Confirmed
Lib Dems Attack Conservative Cuts to Disability Income
The Liberal Democrats on Norfolk County Council have slammed the recent Conservative decision to reduce the minimum income guarantee (MIG) for over 1400 people with disabilities across the county. The move will save the Council an extra £1.2 million as it seeks to make significant savings to its adult social care budget. The MIG is the amount of money people can keep for everyday living expenses after council-arranged home care is provided. The Council is lowering the amount from £199 to £183 per week.
However, Leader of the Lib Dems on Norfolk County Council, Brian Watkins, has slammed the move saying:
It is a dark day for Norfolk County Council. The Conservative administration has made a political decision to make savings at the expense of our most vulnerable residents. To expect people to have to pay more for their care when they are already facing great hardship is deeply unfair.
Cllr Brian Watkins
Brian also added that cutting the MIG for people with disabilities was also likely to impact on other council services as well as putting increased pressure on NHS and mental health services. A fresh High Court legal challenge is considered likely.
Norfolk's Devolution Plans On Hold
Fresh uncertainty surrounds Norfolk’s devolution hopes following the change of government at the General Election. Under the Conservative government, a plan was in place for Norfolk to receive an investment fund of over £600 million for a 30-year period, with extra add-ons including additional upfront money for brownfield regeneration, an integrated transport fund and transfer of the adult education budget. This was conditional on the council accepting a directly elected leader voted in by local people.
Talks are now taking place with the incoming Labour government, and it is likely that the final shape of any new devolution offer for Norfolk might be rather different! A final decision is not expected for several months. Brian Watkins said:
"There is still all to play for, and we should grasp the opportunity before us with both hands. I am confident that with patience and goodwill we can secure a better deal for the people of Norfolk.’’
Will Norwich's Western Link Ever Be Built?
There is continued uncertainty about whether Norwich’s Western Link road (NWL) will ever go ahead. The proposed 3.9 mile route which would connect the Northern Distributor road with the A47 at Easton will cost around £300 million, and Norfolk County Council faces an anxious wait to hear whether funding will be confirmed by the new Labour government. Brian Watkins has urged the council to embrace alternative options to address rat running and traffic congestion to the west of Norwich if the scheme is scrapped. ‘’The Council has to start to face reality. The NWL is now on life support and a suitable Plan B has to be brought forward as a matter of priority,’’ said Brian.