COUNCIL BETRAYS CARE HOME RESIDENTS

12.00.00am GMT Tue 19th Jan 2010

This Wednesday, the Labour County Council will confirm their plans to close care homes in County Durham. Leading Lib Dem Councillor Carol Woods has attacked the decision and accused the Council of betraying residents.

In a report going to cabinet on Wednesday the council says, "There is considerable sensitivity associated with making some of these difficult decisions but the need to continue to offer 'value for people' must override any difficulties."

Lib Dem Councillor Carol Woods said "I assume one of the "difficulties" is the wishes of the residents of these homes and their families. They should come first in any plans, not last. This report is utterly heartless."

Carol Woods also criticised the Council's consultation on the closures.

"The consultation the council is proposing is a sham because they have already stated that they intend to close these homes. This Council's record is one of using consultations to rubber stamp decisions they've already made."

"We do need better and more appropriate care for elderly people but the Council should have held a much wider consultation on how care could be improved, rather than announce these closures without offering any viable alternative.

"It is unacceptable that the council will now put the residents of these care homes through months of worry over their future at a time in their lives when they most need security.

"In their desperate rush to plug the huge black hole in their budget, they are putting finance ahead of people. The people of Durham deserve much better."