Ealing Council rejected the Liberal Democrat call-in for scrutiny of day care centre closures in the borough.
Local Lib Dems recommended a delay in the closure of Carlton Road and other centres such as the Solace Centre , Elm and Sycamore Lodges, so ‘a proper and thorough review can be carried out of the needs of people who use these facilities’.
The Lib Dems say they called-in the budget proposals to seek more understanding of the decision and its implications, to question the soundness of the decision based on facts taken or not taken into account and to ensure users and carers’ views can be heard, on December 8.
However Labour rejected the call-in ten days later (December 18) and have decided to carry on with consultations to consider the closure of day centres as part of its £96 million budget cuts being made over the next four years.
Lib Dem Southfields Councillor Gary Busuttil said: “It is the Liberal Democrats priority to protect the most vulnerable in society.
“In 2011 Labour aimed to position itself as ‘a force for social justice’ so where is the justice when well-run day care centres for Ealing’s most vulnerable residents are on the list to be closed.
“This is a fine example of putting short-term financial gain before long-term social needs. There will always be vulnerable people in our society who will require the services this council provides.”
Leader of the council Julian Bell said no decisions have been taken yet on day centres and the council will continue to consult with users, carers, staff, partners and the voluntary sector before receiving a further report to cabinet in the new year.
He said: “Scrutiny heard positive news from officers that a number of organisations have been in touch with the council about how they may be able to help provide ongoing services for day care centre users. Scrutiny was also reassured that no closures could take place unless all users had been provided with alternative services.
“The council has to set a balanced budget and with the eye watering and impossible budget cuts we are confronted with we are having to take some heartbreaking and incredibly difficult decisions but we will continue to make every effort to mitigate their impacts and protect the most vulnerable.
“It is disappointing to see the local Lib Dems taking no responsibility for the actions of their party nationally in the Tory led Government that has forced £96m of cuts on Ealing Council by disproportionately targeting local government for savage and unsustainable reductions in its budgets.”
