Sorry Sam, blame Tories

Published: 24 February, 2011

• IN response to your article (Where’s Sam when we need her? Centre for the elderly championed by PM’s wife faces closure, February 17), there were various factual inaccuracies in that report. 

I was at that meeting and was reassured that the Surma Centre is not facing closure but some services may get reduced funding.

I find it disgraceful that Samantha Cameron’s spokesman tries to put the blame on our local council when the reality is that the Tory-led government is making these cuts.

Councillor Nasim Ali is a very hardworking councillor and a positive role model to local people. 

I must point out to Mrs Cameron that Cllr Ali was given an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for his services to local government. 

Maybe Mrs Cameron should talk to Mr Cameron.

The focus on Cllr Ali’s allowances, bundling together allowances since 2007 to get “£100,000 in perks”, is rather distasteful and disproportionate. Camden’s leader and cabinet members receive some of the lowest allowances compared with their colleagues across London.

The special responsibility allowance payable to the leader of Camden Council amounts to £28,716, while the Tory leader of Hillingdon receives £62,496 each year and the leader of Kensington and Chelsea receives an allowance of £65,778.

I would ask Mrs Cameron to come and listen to us and get the facts right before attacking our hardworking local councillors.

JAVED MIAH
Compton Close, NW1