Day Care Centre Closures Not Right For Norfolk's Elderly

12.00.00am GMT Mon 2nd Nov 2009

Norfolk's elderly are having their choice limited by the proposed closures of certain adult day care centres in Norfolk according to the Lib Dems at County Hall.

In response to the proposed closure of the Essex and Silver rooms, Lib Dem Spokesperson for Adult Social services, James Joyce has hit out at Norfolk County Council's administration for losing sight of the needs of its residents:

"It seems to me that cost cutting and the drive for personalised budgets are in real danger of leaving our vulnerable elderly behind. The cost cutting nature of these proposed closures is evident. They are trying to justify their closure based on the perceived quality of the building not the service. In reality these centres are extremely beneficial on a social and preventative level and if the Conservatives could quantify these benefits they would see that they offer true long term value.

We are in danger of throwing the baby out with the bath water with regards to personalised budgets. Personalised budgets are a good idea in principle but only if people are given a chance to have a choice. These new personalized budgets must be managed correctly if they are to be successful."

The proposed closures will be discussed at the Adult Social Services Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday 3rd November at Norfolk County Hall.