Vince Cable

Over a hundred thousand, of some of the most vulnerable tenants in social housing, have been disconnected from a vital mobility service - at midnight last Saturday - without they, or staff of councils or social housing agencies ever being informed.

The free national mobility service (HEMS) is vital to groups such as victims of domestic violence, those under witness protection or have caring responsibilities to relatives who do not live near by. They need help moving to other areas and face barriers in the availability of social housing (it was setup following Norman Tebbitt's urging that those dependent on welfare should 'get on their bike'). In July, the Government cancelled the contract with the provider, Scout Solutions Projects (SSPL) but the Minister (Yvette Cooper MP) told Parliament in September that an alternative would be put in place. This has not happened. This weekend the service suddenly ceased without any of the affected parties being informed. Vincent Cable MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "It is not clear if this action is a cynical decision to sneak through a cut affecting large numbers of vulnerable people by stealth; or simply a product of incompetence. Either way it reflects very badly on Ruth Kelly and her Department."