Ellie Ames 10 October 2024

Birmingham day centres set for axe

Birmingham day centres set for axe image
Image: Tony Nolan / Shutterstock.com

Councillors in Birmingham have been advised to approve the closure of four day centres for disabled adults.

Birmingham City Council launched a consultation on the future of its nine day centres after committing to cut costs by £1.95m this year and £3.35m next year.

In an online survey, 69% of respondents disagreed strongly with the plans to close four of the services, as did 43% of adults who used the centres and 56% of their carers in a separate questionnaire.

Concerns were raised about people having to adjust to new locations, with some having attended the same centre for more than 40 years, and about extra journey times of up to an hour.

But Birmingham argued that attendance at the centres had reduced ‘significantly’ since 2019, with most only around half full, and said there were 70 staff vacancies.

The council pledged that people would be ‘fully supported to relocate to an alternative service of their choice, which would be equipped to meet their physical, behavioural, sensory and emotional needs’.

Birmingham’s cabinet member for health and social care, Rob Pocock, said: ‘Many councils no longer run in-house day centres, so I’m pleased we have still found the money to keep five going across the city.

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

The council’s cabinet will make a final decision on the cuts on 15 October.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner