Sinn Féin to Resist Cut in Disabled Persons' Grant-Kerins

Sinn Féin to Resist Cut in Disabled Persons' Grant-Kerins

Sinn Féin councillor Fiona Kerins has criticised proposals by Cork City Council to reduce funding for the Disabled Person’s Grant to social housing tenants by 50%.

Cllr Kerins said:

“The Disabled Person’s Grant is a lifeline for many elderly and disabled people in our communities, providing them with financial assistance to adapt their homes in ways that aid mobility and give them a decent standard of living.”

“In the draft budget, the council is proposing to reduce the funds available for the Disabled Person’s Grant to social housing tenants from €800,000 last year to €400,000 in 2012.”

“This is a massive reduction which will mean elderly and disabled tenants being denied basic facilities which they need to live with dignity in their homes.”

“The proposed cut must be reversed. It is scandalous that the council should be proposing to spend €114,000 on the Lord Mayor’s salary and €145,000 on conference fees while some of the most vulnerable people in our city are treated in this way.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Fiona Kerins @ 085-1091758