Fury as adult day centres recommended for closure

People gathered outside the council house after the meeting

Four out of nine city day centres, used to support adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and dementia, have been recommended for closure.

Beeches GOLDD, Harborne, Fairway and Heartlands, all in Birmingham, are affected although there would be no staff redundancies, a cabinet meeting heard.

There were angry outbursts from the public during the meeting and a protest outside the council house afterwards as it was confirmed the plans were put out for consultation.

Any user who wanted a day centre place would not be refused, said the city council, which has agreed to save £1.95m for 2024-25.

The meeting was interrupted and halted at one point, with one woman shouting: “You just don’t get it – you need to listen to us.”

“If you’re taking the centres away, I’ve nothing to live for,” another shouted.

“[My son] is frightened, he’s nervous – he just don’t know what’s happening.

“You’re all sitting there, telling us that you’re doing your best. No way.”

Support for users would be provided through the remaining day centres and after staff have been consulted, any movement of people using the facilities would begin at the end of March.

“The council wants the best possible quality of life for all its citizens and their carers and as a part of this we are committed to improving the day centres for adults with disabilities,” a council report said. 

“However, the council is facing a significant financial challenge.”

In February, the council agreed to save £1.95m for 2024-25 and £3.35m in 2025-26 against the nine day centres

Conservative councillor Robert Alden warned closures could mean people not going to centres. This could increase isolation; leave more people unwell and pile further pressure on carers, he said.

Councillor Roger Harmer, from the Liberal Democrats, feared the proposals were a "stepping stone" to wider closures.

In a previous statement, cabinet member Rob Pocock, said many councils no longer ran in-house day centres.

“I’m pleased we have found the money to keep five going across the city,” he said.

“But we need to save on costs and the remaining centres do need to be fully utilised.

“Citizens using our centres have also said they want to have a wider variety of activities outside the day centres and this is what we are also developing, as part of a more modern 21st century service."

Deputy council leader Sharon Thompson told the families at the meeting she understood the difficulty of the situation.

“I’d like to acknowledge those who have come today  -  it’s not easy travelling across the city and you clearly care.”

The plans have gone out for consultation until December.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.