Lib Dem/Tory-run Southwark Council, which was assessed as one of the eight worst social care providers in the country just before Christmas, is to put up the price of a car parking permit for carers from the voluntary sector by almost 15%. Carers provide essential help for vulnerable and older adults. 

The council will also hike the price of essential parking permits for doctors by over 21%, an increase which is almost certain to be passed on to the local National Health Service. Southwark will spend £10,000 on consultants to reassess the council’s care services after it publicly disputed the findings of the Care Quality Commission’s inspection report in November.

Southwark Labour's Health and Social Care, Cllr Dora Dixon Fyle said:

“The Lib Dems have already demonstrated their lack of concern for social care in this borough by deciding to spend £10,000 on a self-serving white wash instead of improving the service. Hitting carers with these charges at exactly the time when the council should be trying to rebuild its relationship with the voluntary sector is miserly and irresponsible.

"I'm also worried that the increased parking charges for doctors will be passed directly on to the NHS, taking money out of vital health services."