A ROW has erupted after a Thurrock Council Labour cabinet member used the authority’s press office to attack the Government.

A statement issued by the council’s press office said adult social care portfolio holder Tony Fish was “increasingly worried” about the impact of the Government’s welfare reforms.

But opposition Tories the release should not have been sent out by the council, because it is political opinion and not necessarily the view of the council as a whole.

Tory Mike Revell said: “Tony Fish is entitled to his opinion, but he is not entitled to claim this is the view of Thurrock Council.

“Nor is he entitled to issue such a statement using the Thurrock Council press officer and the resources of the council in expressing his political opinion. If he wishes to make political statements, it should be as a Labour politician.”

Speaking about his concerns about the Government’s welfare reforms, Cllr Fish said: “I was at the Disability Partnership Board meeting last week where I met a group of disabled people to discuss the impact of the Government's welfare reforms on disabled people in Thurrock.

“It became clear many people with incurable degenerative conditions are having their entitlement to, for example, incapacity benefit, reassessed and are subsequently having the benefit withdrawn.

“There are also plans to tighten the criteria for entitlement to Disability Living Allowance which is likely to cause further hardship.”

Responding to Cllr Fish’s concerns, Cllr Revell said: “Our much-needed welfare reforms are still making their way through Parliament, so the effects of them have yet to be witnessed.

“I suspect what he is referring to is the replacement of incapacity benefit with employment support allowance, a reform enacted by the last Labour Government.”

He added: “It is fair to say there have been issues with work capability assessments. This is why the coalition Government is implementing the recommendations of the Harrington review.

“Overall, our objective is that those who need help get it and those who can re-enter the world of work with some assistance do so. I am sure every taxpayer in Thurrock would support such prudent use of their money.”

Thurrock Council’s press office, ironically, declined to comment.