Care homes consultation a sham?
September 13th 2008
Southampton MPs John Denham and Alan Whitehead have condemned the consultation process over the closure of two of the city’s care homes as a sham.
Both MPs have received an extraordinary email from Southampton City Council Cabinet Member Matt Dean where he attacks MPs visiting the homes “...to make cheap political points and then make unrealistic uncosted unworkable policy proposals to the Daily Echo.”
The email came after the City Council announced that it planned to close Whitehaven Lodge and Birch Lawn Care Homes for the elderly. After a public outcry, they have now agreed to a consultation period until 27th October.
But there are now clear concerns that the Cabinet who will make the final decision have already made up their minds.
John Denham commented “Councillor Dean’s email shows that he doesn’t understand that the City’s Labour MPs are prepared to listen to their constituents even if Conservative Councillors aren’t. We are visiting the homes because we have been asked to do so by residents, their relatives and staff at the homes. If Councillor Dean’s attitude is typical of the Conservatives it shows that they are not prepared to listen to any criticism of their plans.”
Alan Whitehead said “We will be writing to Council Leader Alec Samuels to demand his assurance that responses to the consultation are taken seriously, even if they come from residents, relatives, members of the public or elected local MPs.”
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