Information on Loughborough

Secret Meeting At County Hall

Posted on 20/06/2008

Empty meeting room

Press and public were excluded from a crucial meeting held at County Hall that discussed the sale of 6 care homes. This highly controversial issue was the subject of a secret decision held on Wednesday 20th June at the end of the Councils Cabinet Meeting, where it is believed that that the transfer of the care homes was approved, but secrecy surrounds the decision.

The sale of 6 care homes has been opposed by the Labour opposition at County Hall, as well as residents, their families and staff. The justification given for the sale is to reduce costs, but there are concerns that care standards will not be maintained and conditions of service for the staff could deteriorate. However the possibility of a public debate has been prevented as the meeting was held in secret.There are now calls for Councillor Sprason to resign as lead member member for Adult Care Services

Cost cutting is causing great concern to observers of the Adult Care Services at County Hall. Charges for community meals have spiralled out of control since the new Tory administration was re-elected in 2005, from £2.10 to £2.90, or 38% over 4 years. In the same period take up of community meals has fallen by 20%.

Plans to build desperately needed new Respite Care Homes developments are also in tatters following revelations that Leicestershire County Council had only managed to complete less than half of the building programme planned for 2007. Respite care provides a much needed break for those who choose to look after their vulnerable loved ones at home, saving Council tax payers thousands of pounds. They also offer the chance for those being cared for to have a holiday in new surroundings, something that the rest of us take for granted. This failure was reported to the Council last year, when it was revealed that of the £2.9 million allocated for the new buildings, the Council will only manage to complete £1.7 million of essential works, barely 40% of what was planned. The worst affected schemes are the Melton & Wigston Respite Care facilities.

Other capital schemes that are delayed are the Mountsorrell Day Care centre, a supported living scheme for Melton, and disabled access for Watermead Country Park visitor centre.

Eric Goodyer, Labours Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Charnwood said “The most vulnerable sections of out community are suffering as a result of delays, budget cuts and sell-offs. Councillor Sprason has failed to deliver Adult Care Services in Leicestershire and should resign”