Letter: Seniors matter

BONNIE Dumfries & Galloway has many attractions and unique features, not least the unusually high level (24 per cent) of the population over 60, which is predicted to be to more than 50 per cent within eight to 12 years.

A steady stream of retired people flows into our region. Beautiful scenery, property prices and the quality of life seem to be the motivation. Our council would appear to recognise this fact, as the third of its six corporate priorities states "we will care for our older and vulnerable people". However, when it comes to financial support for seniors, it's a different story.

The D&G Seniors Forum, established 22 years ago, is the voice of pensioners, with 3,200 local members. Past years have seen financial support - 40,000 last year enabled the forum to employ 1.5 staff, working from a shoe box of an office, representing the views and aspirations of this expanding majority.

No longer. This support grant is under direct threat, contrary to the requirements of the Equalities Act 2010, and contrary to the council's own priorities.

Cuts are de rigueur as we know, however, Dumfries & Galloway Council has a forecast underspend of 238,000 in its community and customer services budget; an underspend of 2,250,000 on loan charges for 2010-11; a contingency budget of 350,000; a Spend to Save Efficiency Fund of 197,000 and an unallocated balance from the Fairer Scotland Fund of 550,000.

One wonders how much longer politicians, locally and nationally, can continue to justify this amazing contempt for seniors.

Ralph Coleman

Dumfries & Galloway Seniors Forum

Academy Street

Dumfries