Home Care Service proposals a step too far

Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley

Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley made an impassioned speech pleading with the controlling Lib Dem Group, and Health and Social Care Portfolio Holder, Dale Mulgrew, in particular, to rethink the decision to outsource Home Care Services.

Councillor Dearnley described the move as a “step too far”. He said that he felt sure all councillors agreed with re-ablement where possible but saw no reason why this could not be carried out by the “loyal and experienced” council staff already providing the service.

To loud cheers from the public gallery, Councillor Dearnley pointed out that the Lib Dems have agreed to spend £150,000 on a complaints officer and that should not be a priority over the care of vulnerable people.

He added: “Residents very much value the service provided by the council and the financial justification being made for removing the in house service simply does not add up, the figures are not being compared on a like with like basis.”

Councillor Dearnley said he recognised, as did staff and unions, that costs and sickness absence both needed reducing, but that could be done by other means. He said it is not right that top class staff with years of experience and expertise should have to reapply for their jobs.

Councillor Mulgrew was clearly rattled and sought solace in the fact that "this council was only doing what other council’s have already done", something he called a “compelling argument”, to hoots of derision from the public gallery and opposition benches. Labour Councillor Linda Robinson retorted that she was not interested in what other councils had done, “what if they are wrong”, she asked and added that she was only interested in what this council does to look after those who need looking after.

Councillor Mulgrew then tried to use the cost figures as a defence but was taken to task by Labour Group Leader, Councillor Allen Brett who said the maths was based on a “fictional number of hours” and hence the £30 per hour cost is “a made up figure”.

Councillor David Clayton attempted to come to the rescue of his beleaguered colleague but his attempt to do so, by accusing Councillor Dearnley of “playing to the gallery”, earned a rebuke from Mayor Evans who reminded Councillor Clayton to refrain from “personal attacks”.

Two Lib Dem Councillors also expressed their reservations, Councillor Elwyn Watkins saying that as a “mere back bench councillor" he would not be voting for the contracting out unless he was absolutely certain it would result in an improved service.

Councillor Angela Coric explained that her mother benefits from the current service and she would not like to see it change. She said her mother has "fourteen ladies going in four times a day" and without which she would not be able to do her job at North Manchester General Hospital. She requested her colleague Councillor Mulgrew does not allow the care of service users to be compromised and made the point very firmly that her belief is “council carers give the best service”.

Heywood Labour Councillor Colin Lambert summed up the feeling of the many councillors seriously concerned at the proposals when he backed Councillor Dearnley in asking Councillor Mulgrew to “take a step back” and asked what harm it would do to review the decision now “before it goes too far”.

Councillor Mulgrew responded by saying it would be "too costly not to proceed", which left the impression that, despite his constant protestations throughout that his mind was not closed, the decision was already made and would not be changed.