Letter: Austerity cuts are one thing, but destruction of system is another

Whatever the cause, the effect has been and is likely to also remain with us for years to come.

Most would agree that prudent cutting of costs that do not damage or destroy the structure of services that central and local government should protect is appropriate.

Sadly, however, this is not the case as one of Shropshire Council's cabal members openly stated: "Yes, we are intent on destroying the system as it stands and rebuilding it in a more efficient and effective way."

The withdrawal by the council of some services and decimation of others clearly shows the destructive process has happened but the rebuilding is very questionable. Despite the outcry of many who say enough austerity is enough before irreparable damage is done, Keith Barrow has been reported in the media to have said that in 2015/16 a further saving of £40 million has to be found.

He is also reported to have said that adult social care will be hit again. This is a council that already spends less on care per person for the over 65s than any other authority in England. Reported redesigned services will save money and provide better outcomes – a great number of over 65s are not holding their breath about these 'better outcomes'.

As ever the supposedly bottomless pit of voluntary workers will be called on to fill the void of service provision along with private companies taking on commissioned services who will cherry pick the most profitable elements of the contract and find ways to off load the rest.

As if this is not bad enough Shropshire Council is now planning to save just over £500,000 by stopping the annual funding to Town and Parish Councils. The cause of this move is likely to mean that these councils will either have to cut further the services they fund or increase their level of their precept with the effect of increasing the contribution to Council Tax bills for all Shropshire households.

This will allow Keith Barrow to potentially once again say he is not raising Council Tax but in fact can introduce an increase by the back door through town and parish councils.

There is a very serious need to address what is now seen as a destructive and ideological decision to continue with an austerity drive.

Both central and local government appear oblivious about the distress this continued mantra is causing to many who have concerns about the level of services going back to those provided in the 1930s.

John Dodson, Marchamley, Shrewsbury