Camden New Journal - Letters: Vulnerable

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Camden New Journal - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 30 August 2007

Hitting the vulnerable

• CONGRATULATIONS to both Ray Adamson and the New Journal for successfully securing a reprieve from Camden Council for extra care charges (‘I wouldn’t have been able to pay my bills’, August 23).
This U-turn by the Town Hall in the case of Ray, a former mayor, is most welcome. But – as your article says – around 2,000 elderly and vulnerable people have been means-tested to see whether they should pay extra money.
When the CNJ first publicised the case, I know many people were concerned about the plans to raid the bank accounts of pensioners and disabled people.
The proposition that officers would pore over the detail of their outgoings filled many older and vulnerable people I talked to with with dread – especially those who don’t have family or friends to help them.
Despite the criticism of the move by the council, it seems this policy is still going ahead. The Lib Dems and Tories running Camden are more concerned with squeezing every last penny out of elderly people than making sure that they can enjoy some peace and dignity in their retirement.
They have already demonstrated a readiness to cut services which deprived communities rely on, hike charges for lifeline services, and sell-off our council homes. Their motto seems to be that if you’re elderly, vulnerable or not well-off, don’t expect help from your council.
MIKE KATZ
Chairman, Hampstead and Kilburn Labour Party, NW6

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

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