Wiltshire Conservatives have described a proposal by the Liberal Democrats to remove funding from community transport schemes which help the elderly and vulnerable access important medical services as "morally wrong".
Cllr Tamara Reay said the decision to cut the volunteer-run Link and Community Transport schemes meant people who could not afford their own car "would be paying for the parking for those who could."
The schemes supports people who are elderly, disabled, isolated, or temporarily unwell to get to essential appointments. Volunteers use their skills and vehicles to help with essential trips such as medical appointments and shopping, a vital service for residents in rural areas where bus services are limited.
Cllr Reay, who represents Devizes Rural West, said: "I am appalled at the Lib Dems’ proposal to cut funding for Link. It is a vital support network and without it many vulnerable residents will be unable to reach important medical appointments in rural areas".
The proposal to slash funding is just one element of a huge swathe of cuts the Liberal Democrats have put forward in their budget which will also see council tax rise by 4.99%.
Cllr Reay said, "It is incredibly disheartening to see the most vulnerable members of our communities, those who might be sick, elderly, disabled and isolated, have their transport options taken away by the Lib Dems.
"This is just weeks after the same administration voted to give free parking to blue badge holders across the county, giving a financial dividend to many blue badge holders who are financially well off and have access to their own car.”
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Conservative Group on Wiltshire Council said, "We estimate that the Lib Dems’ decision to dish out free parking to blue badge holders with no means testing will cost the council £400,000 each year.
"We argued against the plans at the time because the change would mean thousands of residents across the county who cannot afford their own car will be paying for the parking of someone who can.
"There is also the significant reduction in income that the council will see as a result which will mean more cuts to other services we offer. In this case the financial gift the Lib Dems have given blue badge holders will mean that elderly and isolated residents across Wiltshire will lose the vital support that Link transport gives them.
"Many will no longer be able to get to medical appointments or to the shops, leaving them even more isolated and vulnerable. Stopping funding for Link is morally the wrong choice and we will now work to find a way to reverse it."