Blair quizzed over care home closures

Apr 26 2007

THE Prime Minister has been tackled in the Commons over the possible closure of local authority residential care homes for the elderly in Staffordshire.

Lichfield's Tory MP Michael Fabricant said many old people were worried over the change and urged that it be phased in over time.

Mr Blair agreed that any changes must be made with "a great deal of care" for those affected and offered a ministerial meeting for the MP.

Raising the issue at question time, Mr Fabricant said: "Despite claims that there is a full consultation going on in Staffordshire, Labour-controlled Staffordshire County Council have announced the closure of all residential care homes and day centres within the next two years.

"While we recognise that change does have to come about, surely it should be phased-in over time. Many elderly people are worried about their future and have no relatives to look after them. What can you do to ensure that in Staffordshire at least this change is phased-in gradually over time?"

Mr Blair said there had been meetings between the care services minister and local MPs.

"I'm happy to facilitate a similar meeting between the minister and you," he told Mr Fabricant.

"In fairness to Staffordshire, they do understand that this has to be done in a planned and careful way. What they are trying to do, as I understand it, is move from a situation - there are round about 4,000 people they have responsibility for, of whom around 10% are in their residential care homes.

"They want to move those out into the independent sector but also improve community services and are willing to invest an extra £90 million in order to do that.

"They believe it is right to make these changes in the interest of elderly people and those in residential care homes. But of course it must be done with a great deal of care."