COUNCIL TAX: Weakest hit hardest

What about the unemployed, single people, students, disabled, and other individuals on benefits (including many in work and those he will sack in his cuts) who will now have to pay more after his decision?

It appears like the Tories he claims to despise, Mr Stone just does not care about the needy, simply the comforts of his own office.

Somehow I am reminded of what the old council leader and dictator Jack Layden used to say when the evil witch Thatcher was casting her nefarious spells. “Who cares who’s in Government – I’ve still got a job.”

Mr Stone says he has been forced to make hard decisions. No, he hasn’t: Like always he has taken the easy option and hit the weakest in the borough the hardest -  the ones with least power and influence and the weakest voice.

What Mr Stone seems to ignore are there are other ways forward. For one, he could fight the ConDem cuts. Speaking up may be a start, or even like many councils in the country simply refuse to accept the dictates of this rotten Government.

He could also look at other ways such as reducing the number of council representatives in each area to two. Why doesn’t he get rid of the Town Hall – it’s just an old court – sell off the building and conduct all meetings and business from the Riverside or the soon-to-be White Elephant, the New York Stadium. It needs a use once the fans go back to apathy and moaning about Sheffield Wednesday rather than supporting their own team.

Then there’s the new Police Commissioner’s part-time deputy (who, strangely, still remains a paid Barnsley councillor) – why is this post necessary? If Shaun Wright wasn’t up to the task he should have said in his manifesto.

Another good way of saving huge sums of money would be to look at getting rid of the countless directors and senior managers in the Young People's Services and Human Resources who were involved in the child abuse scandals and many more, rather than the frontline staff who actually care for the children and families at risk.

Mr Stone could obviously reduce (not freeze) his own and fellow councillors' pay or maybe for him personally. that is a cause and cut he is willing to fight.

Mr Stone says RMBC consulted the public; well there’s consultation and real consultation – it was simply a piecemeal exercise. (I don’t know anyone that was consulted, but then again we are poor). Like all RMBC consultations it was limited in every way. It was carried out by people who do not listen, had no intention of listening and had preconceived results in mind. In short, just as with all RMBC consultancy exercises or complaints against council officers and officials, it was a closed process form the start.

Mr Stone you have once again failed in your duty and passed the bucket. Yes, this Government is immoral, but so are your actions and ineptitude. Once again you are cutting the vital services to the young, disabled and vulnerable adults without forethought or conscience.

It is time you stopped hiding behind the sins of others and looked at yours. Mr Stone if Rotherham was Tory Town you’d be a Conservative Party member. Obviously you are not up to the job. Resign now!

Sally Kate Taylor / Anthony Fenwick, Wortley Road, Bradgate.

Roger Stone's message on Rotherham Council Tax, plus your comments.

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