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Search forCalls for new charges to be suspended
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 08:00
Councillor Tim Oliver believes the step should be taken to allow for 'proper talks' about transport charging criteria.
"Letters only dropped on people's doorsteps last week, giving less than a month's notice of these new charges," he said.
"The apparent lack of any proper discussion with users and their families shows scant regard for the stress and added pressures this will bring.
"We understand that this decision was actually taken nearly two years ago, and was opposed by Walsall Labour during the budget process at that time.
"We therefore have to question why it is being brought in now, with less than one month's notice and with no indication as to any financial assessment or appeal – and at a time when the Council's social care budget is in balance.
"Walsall Labour is therefore calling for the introduction of this new charge to be suspended to allow for proper talks with user groups, and to better understand how this charge will impact on the council's 'fairer charging' process."
Leader of Walsall Liberal Democrats Cllr Ian Shires, was concerned with the level of consultation before the charges were implemented.
"I don't think it is right," he said.
"It is an issue of access and we are talking about some of the most vulnerable people in society, who depends on these services, and in that respect they are sitting ducks for these charges."
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