COUNCILLORS have been accused of snubbing disabled people and their carers.

Bruce Illingworth – whose wife Christine suffers from multiple sclerosis – invited 10 members of Kirklees Council to a meeting about proposed changes to social care.

But none turned up for the event – with only one councillor sending their apologies.

He said: “The Save Kirklees Homecare Group had a meeting at the Navigation Inn in Mirfield on October 11.

“Ten councillors were invited to attend so that our group, representing the general public and service users, could put our concerns about the impact the changes will have on our family members’ health.

“We sat there waiting, expecting at least a couple of councillors to come. Unfortunately not one councillor came and we have only had one reply since the meeting – an apology from Clr Vivien Lees-Hamilton who couldn’t attend due to family commitments.

“We were very disappointed at the lack of commitment and bad manners of the rest of the councillors who totally ignored our invitation.”

Mr Illingworth had called the meeting to discuss the council’s plan to privatise more social care.

Council carers currently provide intensive help to people with complex needs and a small proportion of routine care.

Kirklees wants to privatise its routine work – meaning the council’s share of the care sector would drop from 17.5% to 15%.