Council cuts are a star fear

Oldham is in danger of losing its social services three stars because of severe cuts to the council budget.

That’s the criticism opposition councillor Phil Harrison will throw at council leaders at the next full meeting on December 15.

He says plans to privatise or pass on many of the department’s specialist services for elderly people or those with learning disabilities must be stopped.

Councillor Harrison, who was Labour’s Cabinet member for adult social services until he lost his seat in 2008, returned in May and became Labour’s opposition spokesman.

He highlighted seven areas where the coalition proposals will hit hardest: the 125 people with complex needs, served by the boroughwide response team, who have been transferred to private companies, supported living schemes and the cut to the Aap Ka Haq specialist service for minority ethnic communities.

Also hit is the partnership with NHS staff who support people with extreme disabilities, the community occupational therapist; running down the service at Lime Trees specialist day car centre for people with dementia and passing the four intermediate care centres at Butler Green, Medlock Court, Boston House and Highbarn House to other specialist providers.

He also attacked the proposal to end the autism service.

Councillor Harrison said: “Oldham was recognised as the national leader in the field of autism. If this cut goes through, it would lead to an eventual cost of £5 million for out-of-borough placements.

“I went to the overview and scrutiny committee when the proposals were discussed and didn’t hear any answers.

“The three stars are at risk. Oldham was awarded no stars in 2003, but has become a three-star authority, rated as excellent.

“I have no problem with looking at services or amalgamating services, but certainly not to cut or give them to the private sector.

“Labour’s now forming our figures for our budget proposals to maintain most of these services.”

Councillor Harrison is meeting with Executive Director Veronica Jackson, and the new head of adult services, Paul Cassidy, shortly to discuss Labour’s plans.