Monmouthshire County Council has been accused of “letting down” vulnerable disabled people after the group’s Labour leader took aim at decade-long budget cuts.

Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, said the Council’s reluctance to increase the Disabled Facilities Grant has resulted in a real-terms cut over the last decade, and given rise to a growing backlog of disabled children and older people in need of assistance.

The Disabled Facilities Grant provides financial help to Monmouthshire residents towards the cost of home adaptations and facilities which promote independence. The grant covers small improvements, such as a wheelchair ramp, to building extensions.

Councillor Batrouni, said, “A number of residents have approached me with their concerns about the DFG, after they were told all the money had been spent and they would have to wait a long time for help. I don’t think I’m the only councillor who has heard from residents on this matter.”

He laid blame on the Conservative-led council, which has maintained the same level of funding for the past ten years, something he says amounts to a cut in real terms.

To see MCC’s response and the full story pick up this week’s Abergavenny Chronicle