Cries of "shame on you" could be heard from the public gallery at County Hall today following a controversial decision to make cuts to disability services.
Norfolk County Council (NCC) cabinet members voted to reduce the amount of financial support it provides to some of the most vulnerable people in the county as it seeks to make £64.2m savings from its adult social care service.
The move by the Conservative-controlled authority has been criticised by councillors and was met with widespread concern among carers and disabled people who worry about how they will be affected.
At a cabinet meeting, Kay Mason-Billig, leader of the council, defended the decision, arguing there was "no other choice" and that it was necessary to ensure the council avoided the risk of bankruptcy in future years.
"We have to make savings to keep the council solvent so we can continue to deliver services for all residents, we can not just do nothing," she said.
"This has kept us awake at night."
She called for the government to "step up and properly fund" adult social care services in order to address the rising costs, which now make up 40pc of the council's annual budget.
But the cuts were met with anguish and frustration, with one member of the public crying out to councillors from the gallery, saying the decision was "disgusting".
"You can always find the money for your own pay rises though can't you," he said.
"Shame on you."
WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?
The Minimum Income Guarantee - the income disabled people can keep for everyday expenses after the cost of council-arranged home care is taken into account - will be reduced from £187 a week to £171.25 a week.
The changes mean the council's policy is now in line with the government's recommendations for the MIG.
However, there was some relief, as the council chose not to agree to an even lower rate for young adults aged between 18-24 year olds.
It will save NCC more than £1m a year.
'A BAD DECISION'
The move has caused anger among councillors, who have said it is a "dark day" for the authority.
Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at NCC, said: "This is a bad decision with known damaging outcomes taken in the poorest way after a consultation in which nobody had any faith by an out-of-touch Conservative cabinet reading from preprepared statements.
"Those same cabinet members refused to even discuss our proposals to overhaul adult social care and save money sensibly at the same meeting they pushed through the budget.
Terry Jermy, the new Labour MP for South West Norfolk and a county councillor for Thetford, added: "It is very disappointing that the most vulnerable in the society are bearing the brunt of cuts as usual."
Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, called the policy "cruel" and warned it will likely have financial implications for the NHS and mental health sector.
He said: "It is a dark day for NCC. The Conservative administration has made a political decision to make savings at the expense of our most vulnerable residents."
LEGAL FIGHT
When the council proposed a similar reduction in 2019 it triggered a High Court challenge which the council lost, with the judge ruling it was discriminatory.
When questioned if the council has set aside a budget for any potential legal action resulting from this fresh decision, Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader and finance cabinet member, was unable to provide an answer directly.
Mr Morphew believes a fresh legal challenge is likely.
"Doubtless the Ombudsman and courts may be invited to have a view by those affected which will load even more pressure onto the system. I look forward to continuing to support those challenges."
The suggestion that the decision is unlawful was refuted by Alison Thomas, cabinet member for adult social care.
"This is not unlawful or discriminatory and will be in line with national policy," she said.
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