Anger at care home closure

The lead Nottingham city councillor in charge of social services was raked over the coals by Clifton residents in a recent consultation meeting.

A facility called Oakdene, used by adults with learning difficulties, is in need of refurbishment. But the council is considering finding a new place for them by closing an elderly care home and moving the facility there instead!

Relatives of those in the care home are furious and worried about what would happen to them due to the stress of moving – some have dementia. One person even asked if the council would cover the cost of her mother’s funeral if the stress of moving killed her.

The councillor admitted that the plan put forward is due to cuts and admitted that if the same were happening to his own parents that he would be just as angry as them.

However, he insisted that using some of the £200 million reserves that the council has to cover the cost of a new facility wasn’t possible despite the fact that the council’s reserves went up last year.

The anger of the residents and objections by local trade unionists and Socialist Party members have forced some concessions. Support will be provided to pay higher charges at the private care home nearby. It might not be enough to stop the plans at this point. However it is important that councils know that getting away with closing these sites won’t be easy.

Geraint Thomas, Nottingham Socialist Party