Councillor Don Seale, Oxfordshire County Council executive member for social and health care, replying to Margaret Coombs, states that "no cuts are planned" in social services spending and that spending is being increased (Oxford Mail, April 1).

While this seems to be very welcome news, I would respectfully suggest that it should be treated with considerable caution.

Perhaps Mr Seale means that no further cuts are planned beyond those agreed two years ago.

But let there be no mistake -- cuts are currently being implemented following previous policy decisions.

Other councillors conceded as much last year.

Respite and support services for disabled children and their families have, in fact, been reduced.

Services for families in greatest need are now grossly inadequate.

In April 2002, the council rushed through a package of nearly £9m of cuts to social services.

This was done without any consultation with service users or professionals.

We were repeatedly told that these cuts were essential to balance the books and that no alternative measures were possible.

Now Mr Seale tells us (Oxford Mail, March 23) that spending is to rise from £108m to £190m!

So where has all this new money suddenly come from?

Was it really necessary to provoke such anguish among service users through the clumsy decisions taken two years ago?

If the council genuinely has an extra £82m to spend on social services, is this not an excellent opportunity to repair the recent damage?

Previous cuts could be reversed and further developments afforded in services for many vulnerable groups.

How can the council now decline to do this?

RICHARD HASSALL (Dr)

Consultant Clinical

Psychologist

Oxfordshire Learning

Disability NHS Trust

Slade House

Horspath Driftway

Headington

Oxford