Supported living proposals: no one will be forced to move home, says Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, Rochdale Borough Council’s cabinet member for adult services, is seeking to reassure service users and their families that no one will be forced to move home if the proposals to re-model supported living services are agreed.

Campaigners claim the measures would mean a “shocking return to institutionalised care” and would "institutionalise the most vulnerable people in society".

At a vigil held to protest against the proposals, John Morrison called it “by far the worst council decision ever made".

• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/105515/cuts-to-adult-care-vigil-against-the-worst-council-decision-ever-made

However, Councillor Ahmed said: This is about enhancing the range of services we offer. I want to reiterate that service users will only move if the new options meet their specific needs. There will be no compulsion, no forced moves and no reinstitulisation.

“The current arrangements don’t work for everyone and that’s why we want to improve and enhance our supported living services, so they work for all service users."

Proposal

Overview of proposal
Remodel the supported living offer for people with learning disabilities to develop a wider range of care and support options at reduced costs.

Overall impact of proposed change
A review of the number of group homes within the Rochdale Borough and an increase in alternative types of care and accommodation to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities.

Impact on affected service users
Care needs met through new wider range of care and support options, including learning disability extra care and residential care.

Savings total
£200,000 in 2017/18, £727,000 in 2018/19. Total savings £927,000.