Coronavirus: Derbyshire County Council accused of 'cynically' using crisis to close care homes

Toby Perkins slammed Derbyshire County Council for continuing its consultation into proposals to axe seven care homes, including The Spinney in Brimington.

This is despite a full council meeting to discuss the proposals being cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

County Hall says it understands concerns around the consultation continuing but insists ‘the sheer scale and nature of the work needed in these homes’ require it to press on.

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Labour MP Mr Perkins said: “The county council is cynically using the coronavirus pandemic to avoid the proper scrutiny that is needed on these proposals.

“If meetings cannot go ahead to discuss the proposals, and the planned protest events set up by the GMB union, local residents and Labour campaigners, have had to be cancelled, then the consultation needs to be halted immediately.”

Councillors were set to discuss the proposals at a full council meeting on Wednesday, March 18 when the GMB union had arranged a mass protest outside the meeting.

Mr Perkins added” “Ironically, the current crisis has shown just how important these care homes are.

“The Spinney Care Home is taking in new residents for the first time in months as health authorities try to free up bed space in hospitals to help prepare for the impact of the coronavirus.

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“At a time when it is shown how vital these residential placements are to Derbyshire, the council is ploughing ahead with their plans but avoiding scrutiny.”

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: “The sheer scale and nature of the work needed in these homes and the timescales within which this would need to be completed to ensure our elderly residents remain safe, means we must continue if we are to give people the chance to have their say.

“We don’t want to be in a position of having to consider taking emergency action to keep our older residents safe without giving Derbyshire people the opportunity to voice their opinions and for these to be fully considered before any decisions are made.

“In light of the cancellation of face-to-face library drop-in sessions, we have introduced new ways for people to have their say including new telephone consultation sessions where they can speak directly to an officer.

“If you would like the opportunity to have a discussion with a member of staff you can call 01629 531307 or email [email protected] to book a telephone consultation session.

“People can continue to give us their views online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/care-home-review where they can also view the condition surveys and electrical reports in to all the homes affected by these proposals.

“They can also email their comments to [email protected] or write to the Stakeholder and Engagement Team, Adult Social Care, County Hall, Matlock, DE4 3AG.

“Residents can also call 01629 531307 to request a paper copy of the consultation questionnaire.

“The consultation closes on April 24, 2020 and all comments should be received by that date.”