Adult centre closure move undemocratic, says MP

MP Preet Gill said the commissioners have "shut down democratic scrutiny"

A move which prevents a decision to close a number of adult centres from going before a council committee was undemocratic, an MP said.

Commissioners appointed to Birmingham City Council due to its poor financial situation decided the policy should not be "called in", despite a request from a number of councillors.

Four adult centres across Birmingham have been recommended for closure by the council as part of its cost cutting measures. The commissioners used powers given to them by the government to override the usual process.

Preet Gill, Edgbaston's Labour MP said the move "shut down democratic scrutiny".

The Beeches GOLDD, Harborne, Fairway and Heartlands day centres, which support adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and dementia, have all been recommended for closure.

There were angry outbursts from the public during a meeting earlier in October when the plans were put forward and a protest outside the council house afterwards as it was confirmed the plans would be put out for consultation.

Councillors requested the decision should be scrutinised by the full council, however the commissioners refused.

Speaking on Politics Midlands Gill said: "We've already had a massive austerity agenda of cutting everything and now what we're facing in the last year since the commissioners were appointed is more cuts to vital services.

Lead commissioner, Max Caller, said it is "not the first time" that the power to refuse a calling has been used

"When you close your adult centres, when you close your libraries, these are assets that once they've gone they never come back."

The commissioners were shutting down democracy, she said.

It is not the first time the power to refuse scrutiny has been used, but it is rare, lead commisioner Max Caller said.

"The council had pre-decision scrutiny on the day centre decision," he said.

"The cabinet has been made aware of the views of scrutiny and now it needs to get on and take the decision.

"It costs in of the order of £100,000 a month to delay.

"That £100,000 pounds is someone else's service - someone else's job."