I am writing to you regarding the letter entitled Sorry to see shop closure', in the Guardian of October 11.

Les Green thinks councillors like me have constantly disregarded' the needs of elderly and disabled people.

With a multi-million pound budget to scrutinise, I can assure him we take our responsibilities very seriously.

In recent months we have visited Franklin House, Hallmead Day Centre, the Children and Families Social Work Team, an Area Social Work Office and Mental Health Services in Cheam.

We have a continuous programme of visits and meet frequently with senior officers to scrutinise and assess their budgets.

We have commissioned best value reviews of learning disability and sheltered housing and improved the efficiency of home care delivery.

We are currently addressing staff recruitment and retention issues and working with the voluntary sector and health service to target services on those in greatest need.

Across the country there is a £1billion shortfall between what the Government allows to be spent on social services, and the demand from users and carers.

I recognise the need to do more. The director and I will be attending the Social Services Conference in Harrogate this week to share best practice.

I am using every opportunity to press the Government to provide proper funding for social services, especially here in Sutton.

I hope this letter reassures Mr Green and others that there are many highly committed officers and councillors on this authority, who are working hard to obtain the best outcomes for older and disabled people.

ROGER THISTLE

Liberal Democrat

Councillor

Clockhouse Ward

October 26, 2001 17:00