SURREY - One of 8 councils providing poor care for the elderly

A report from the Care Quality Commission says 4,000 out of the 24,000 care homes in his country are deficient. It means that 80,000 elderly people are getting substandard care. Over 400 were rated poor while another 3,500 were rated "adequate" (evidently code for inadequate,)

The Commission has named eight councils - Bromley, Cornwall, Peterborough, Poole, Solihull, South Tyneside, Southwark, and Surrey - for doing badly overall with their provision.

High Council Tax levels do not equate to high care standards. Liberal Democrat controlled Richmond's provision in this area was judged by the Commission as excellent. (Stephen Burke, the former Labour leader of Hammersmith of Fulham, has an article in The Times this morning stressing the validity of the Commission's findings so doubtless will wish to acknowledge the progress the Lib Dems have made since his departure.)

Rosie Sharpley states : "Yet again Conservative controlled Surrey County Council has let us down and this time in caring for our frail elderly residents. It is with deep sadness and regret that I read the articles in the Times and Telegraph today.