More than 200 people have so far signed a petition calling on the leader of Merton Council to challenge millions of pounds of proposed cuts to adult social care.

The petition, launched earlier this month by members of Merton’s Centre for Independent Living (MCIL), argues £14m of cuts are being rushed through without proper consultation or consideration for their impact on some of Merton's most vulnerable people.

But a spokeswoman for Merton Council said the proposed cuts to adult social care over the next four years are far lower, at £5.4m.

A consultation launched by the council and published online will end on February 2.

Campaigners said it is difficult to access the consultation and there is no formal council process for taking on board the consultation results.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council, said: “We don’t want to make cuts but we have no choice.

“The level of government cuts means we need to make savings across all areas and it so happens that 45 per cent of the council’s spend goes on adult social care.”

He added: “We have always maintained that the cuts to adult social care as a percentage is always less than other departments and unlike other councils all our day centres are open.”

A scrutiny panel meeting in Merton's Civic Centre tonight, Thursday, Jan 29, will discuss how the council can cut £32m from its budget over the next four years.

To sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/stephen-alambritis-stop-think-consult-before-slashing-14-million-from-adult-social-care.