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From The Socialist newspaper, 20 January 2016
Gateshead carers oppose respite centre closures
Elaine Brunskill, Socialist Part Northern region
For years Gateshead's Labour councillors have boasted they would always protect frontline services for the most vulnerable. That claim is now being shredded as the council looks to close or privatise the Marquis Way and Blaydon Lodge respite centres for disabled adults.
Outside Gateshead Civic Centre, carers of disabled adults, including parents and grandparents, made a phenomenal amount of noise at the protest to save these services. Clerical staff were twitching at office blinds to see what was going on. After about half an hour we were invited inside so council workers could hear our views.
Sleep
The officers listened intently as carers gave numerous examples of their concerns over the council's plans. Parents described bad experiences in the past with private respite provision, largely due to understaffing and high turnover.
In contrast, Blaydon Lodge and Marquis Way were described as "amazing and unique facilities". The same with Grove House, the equivalent children's centre, which is also under threat. It was clear that the staff at these centres are very highly regarded.
These centres mean that for one or two days a month, carers can have time off. When asked what they do with this time nearly all of them replied "catch up with sleep!"
During the course of the meeting, carers highlighted the report in the last Socialist - in Stoke-on-Trent, Tories and independents are using council reserves to fund services. If the Tories can do it, why can't Labour?
On the protest, there was anger that Gateshead Council has recently spent £45,000 revamping the offices of council leader Mick Henry and his cabinet. The feeling was that services for disabled people were more important than swanky offices for bosses.
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In The Socialist 20 January 2016:
Socialist Party news and analysis
Unite the fightback: Coordinated strikes needed
United workers' action can save NHS
Water firms' £1.2bn in profit off human need
Political policing: Met spy targeted socialists
Trident debate: socialist programme needed
Housing crisis reaches level of 1960s
Civil service: £1bn on consultants
Outrageous attacks on Corbyn for 'sexism'
Socialist history
1986 Wapping strike - Defeat of the print unions
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
People's Budget meeting success
Carmarthenshire Unison campaigns against council cuts
Unite the Union local government committee votes for no-cuts budgets
Preparing a no-cuts people's budget
Momentum and democracy in Hackney and beyond
Angry Labour meeting puts councillors under fire
Gateshead carers oppose respite centre closures
Celebrating Eleanor Marx's birthday
Socialist Party workplace news
Nationalise Tata to save steel jobs!
Tube workers to strike again to defend jobs and conditions
Reinstatement victory for John Vasey
Shop workers lobby council against Sunday opening
International socialist news and analysis
USA: Fight the billionaire class!
China: Financial turmoil spreads fear across global markets
Northern Ireland: Defy anti-abortion laws
Socialist Party comments and reviews
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