I REFER to the letter by Madeline Murray, "Three-year plan for home care services", and cannot understand why the carers whom I have spoken to do not have the information in any coherent fashion.

When questioned, they are negative in their response.

I have discovered already that carers who are leaving to take up other work are not being replaced. They are leaving because they are uncertain about their jobs and this uncertainty is affecting their job satisfaction.

You say that these consultations took place in October 2002 and yet no thought has been given to informing the clients as to what is happening. What sort of consultation took place when, 16 months later, this is only just coming to light?

You state that you want to support more people in their own homes. Then why change from the present system that is working well? Why not expand the present system with the increased funding that I am informed from central government has been supplied?

I quote from a letter received from the Department of Health, London, a copy of which is available. "As announced on April 2002, by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, we intend to increase resources to social services for personal social services by an annual six per cent in real terms from 2003-4 to 2005-6. This means an extra £2.4 bn will be allocated for social services spending over a three-year period starting in 2003-4.

"Given that local councils are currently receiving substantial increases in funding for personal social services, it is important that they use this money to ensure the challenges faced by the domiciliary care sector are addressed".

The consistency of the service up to now has been excellent, but obviously this could change drastically if personnel are not replaced or their terms are not laid down properly. There is no need for outside agencies, as they would only de-personalise and ruin the existing efficiency.

I would like to be assured that I will carry on receiving the same care using regular staff who know me and the sort of care I need, rather than staff who float from one client to another and will never become acquainted with my particular needs.

Barbara Smith

Alder Grove

Bromley Cross