I AM deeply concerned by the county council’s plans to cut the Oxfordshire Support Fund, especially given it appears that Oxfordshire is one of very few councils in the country considering axing this funding.

In these times of economic crisis and ongoing changes to the welfare system, it is an extremely short-sighted measure to remove this last lifeline for Oxfordshire residents facing destitution.

If the decision goes ahead this Tuesday there will be nowhere else for people in crisis to turn, except unscrupulous loan sharks. Local charities are already overstretched and usually unable to respond quickly to emergency cases or to offer help with fuel bills. Not only is prevention better than cure, it is particularly unjust that the most vulnerable people in society should suffer due to errors made by those to whom the council outsourced management of the Support Fund.

I sincerely hope that the county council will recognise the inefficient and unjust nature of its plans and instead keep the fund and work with local advice centres and organisations to strengthen running the fund.

Dr KIRRILY PELLS Benson Road Oxford