'Grey power' protest over council funding
DOZENS of elderly people plan to take to the streets in protest this morning in a bid to "make grey power count" ahead of a crucial council budget meeting.
Pensioners will call for better support from Cornwall Council as councillors gather at the budget-setting meeting at County Hall in Truro.
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Cornwall Council
The campaigners say they want greater recognition of the financial hardship suffered by the county's older people, and hope elected members of Cornwall Council set aside a suitable budget to help support the county's elderly population.
Protest organiser Peter Collins, treasurer of Penwith 50+ Forum, said he hoped up to 40 people of pensionable age would join him outside County Hall.
Mr Collins, 71, said: "This is something we feel very strongly about and want to make our elected members aware of.
"Cornwall's older people get a very raw deal and it is about time we had our voices heard. We are hoping this raises awareness, but that those with the power act on what we are telling them."
Some members of the group have already prepared special placards bearing the message "You'll be old soon", which Mr Collins said would be directed at Cornwall councillors as they walked into County Hall. Protesters say more money needs to be channelled into adult social care, including funding for day care centres for the elderly.
Councillors will this morning discuss the proposed adult care and support budget for the next financial year, which stands at £2.3 million.
Elected members will also be able to read concerns about the budget from the council's Health and Adults Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
In a written recommendation from the committee, Councillor Chris Goninan, the report states: "The committee considers the budget recommended for adult care and support was set too low, and had been for many years, and should be increased to meet the needs of the people of Cornwall."
Protester Mr Collins said: "If care homes are funded at low levels, can we be sure that residents are treated with dignity and respect?
"There is always flexibility in budgets, and we are hoping that the council takes notice of this.
"I am a very peaceful and placid man, but sometimes you just have to stand up and be counted. We want to make the point about grey power – there are a lot of elderly people in Cornwall and we all have the power to vote."
The issue will form part of this morning's discussion of the Corporate Business Plan, at which members will also be asked to vote on proposals to increase council tax by 2.9 per cent.
In December, council leader Alec Robertson said the budget should "provide the resources needed to 'fix' the areas which are currently under performing so that the council can move forward". This, he told the WMN, included adult care and support.
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by Loulou, Newquay
Wednesday, February 17 2010, 11:06AM
“I agree with Gary poor use of money is the biggest concern, call in the audit commision”
by Gary, Saltash
Wednesday, February 17 2010, 10:37AM
“L WALKER, LISKEARD
The point I was in fact making was the pot is not limitless, people want to spend hundred of thousands mooting the penzance link and many millions on the higher cost ferry solution but also want enhanced services directed towards the elderly who do not pay the very high rates we currently pay. Which when compared like for like you will find we pay greater percentage of our pay to cover this endless want want want from the generation who helped kill Cornwall
You can not have your cake and eat it, if you want to spend millions on the Penzance link services in other areas will need to be cut this ever increasing council tax burden which is killing people in Cornwall with people wanting more and more. I which rather than demanding more is spent the greys questioned the poor use of money in the council, recent examples SITA, debating the Penzance link ete etc”
by L WALKER, LISKEARD
Wednesday, February 17 2010, 10:18AM
“Maybe Gary of Saltash should get his facts right - the grey army are those of us who have worked all our lives, paid our taxes and National Insurance. There won't be as many of younger generations who will have done the same but will and do expect their share of the benefit and care systems.”
by Gary, Saltash
Wednesday, February 17 2010, 9:21AM
“Most of the grey army do not pay anything towards these services unlike the working younger public who are out funding these grey moaners and unable to protest at the disgraceful waste of money being used by the Council, best example of which is the recent Ferry service in Penzance. I do not object to the older generation receiving more but perhaps they should look at how money is spent rather than increasing the burden on ordinary working people who pay a ridiculously large amount of money to feed these free loaders at the council. Let us not forget it was the older generation holding back the cheaper solution in Penzance was it not? The pot is not limitless”
by Colin, Penzance
Tuesday, February 16 2010, 2:52PM
“As we are the ones that pay for this council. Why aren't we asked what they get paid, both in salary and expences.
It looks as if they are a law unto themselves, and can just pay themselves whatever they like, and we can do nothing about it.
When I grew up, if I started a new job and it was my choice, it was up to me to pay to move and to pay to get to work. If not, I stayed where I was.
Don't say we have to pay for the best. The only thing that they are best at, is fleecing the public.
I had to get them out to clean my road this week, it hadn't been swept this year!!!!”