Mulvaney accuses Labour Government of ‘targeting people’s independence’

Helenburgh Councillor Gary Mulvaney has attacked the Labour Government for the predicament he says it is inflicting on over 3,000 elderly and disabled people in Argyll & Bute.

The Conservative candidate for the Argyll & Bute constituency at the forthcoming General Election says that this is the number who will face having their Attendance Allowance axed under Government proposals.  The Labour plan is to cut the tax-free benefit which helps people maintain independent living, in order to fund centralised adult social care.

With some reason, Mulvaney has therefore accused Labour of ‘targeting people’s independence’.

As he sees it: ‘The Attendance Allowance is a key part of helping those with disabilities or significant health problems in Argyll & Bute to live independently.

‘There are many additional costs when living in old age or with a disability and the allowance is designed to meet these costs. Labour think people can live without it. The Conservatives disagree.  For many people the Attendance Allowance is the difference between living at home and going into a care home.

‘These proposals are opposed by charities and academics. They are unpopular. They will not help those who need the allowances most. They should be stopped’.

The major charities operating in this sphere – Age Concern & Help the Aged in Scotland – have expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of any cuts in this allowance.

On a more cheerful note, Mulvaney notes that the Scottish Conservatives have welcomed the news that Argyll & Bute Council will suspend parking charges in the run up to Christmas.

The Council’s Executive Committee made the decision at a meeting in Campbeltown yesterday (19th November) and Gary Mulvaney, Leader of the Conservative Group of Councillors, says: ‘This is a welcome move. Having spoken to many local businesses in recent weeks, I know that things are certainly tough for our shops and retailers in Labour’s recession.

‘This initiative, which follows a suggestion from the Dunoon & Cowal Business Association, shows that the Council understands the situation and can help a little’.