I FELT truly humbled at the Social Services Scrutiny meeting at County Hall on November 6, by the orderly, dignified yet determined demonstration by those who genuinely require care and carers.

Peter Pinfield lamely attempted to explain the disgraceful situation created by both his New Labour Government and his county council group.

County Council Leader Carol Warren made the astonishing claim that when the budget was set it was the best-ever Social Services budget and "they did not know of the additional demands that eventually came to light."

Surely isn't it the duty of the councillors or the officers, or both, to know these facts?

We have to question Best Value and the 363 per cent pay rise county councillors awarded themselves for the New Cabinet System.

I also recall Leader Carol Warren's statement that they were worth it.

BRIAN HUNT,

Worcester.