I read with a heavy heart the predicament of Ken and Glynne Thompson of Goring (Oxford Mail, April 30).

What a shame that in 2010 we are still failing to deliver a social care system that works and that is simple to access.

It is very sad to see that a system which was seemingly put into place to assist some of Oxfordshire’s most vulnerable residents, actually ends up leading to distress and anxiety.

This is a sure-fire sign that something is seriously wrong and that action is warranted immediately.

What really is unpalatable, as your article mentions, is that in some areas of the UK, social care in the home is free. However, here in Oxfordshire in many cases, families are expected to pick up the tab.

All this, as I believe most people would agree, is at a time when their attention should be with their loved ones.

Again and again I have been seriously concerned with the fact that we in Oxfordshire seem to be continually dealt a raw deal when it comes to our social and health care systems.

After all, we Oxonian’s pay the same rate of VAT on goods and the same rate of National Insurance and Income Tax as other people in the UK, so why can’t we have equal access to treatments and care that is state funded in other counties.

This unfair distribution of resources also raises the question of whether we are footing the bill for other counties due to the savings made within our own county?

I am sure that most would agree that this would be totally unacceptable.

I would encourage the people of Oxfordshire to demand from those that we put in power, both in our local councils and in national government, that whether we live in Glasgow, London or Goring, every resident in the UK gets fair and equal access to health and social care.

I would also like to challenge Keith Mitchell, leader of Oxfordshire County Council and Sonia Mills, chief executive of NHS Oxfordshire to deliver a health and social care system that is simple to access for those that need it, and that is fair for all.

We should also look closer at areas which offer free social care in the home. This may highlight whether it is because they get a larger budget from central government or whether it is simply a matter of better management from local councils with equal budgets.

Either way, they seem to be providing more for their residents – which may give us something to learn.

Whatever the reason, Oxfordshire residents deserve better. I wish the best for Ken and Glynne and hope that they receive all the help and support that they deserve in these testing times.

Richard MacKenzie, Manor Road, Witney