Salford Mayor, Ian Stewart's barbaric agreement to cut almost £4.4million from services for some of the city's most vulnerable people has already prompted three Labour Party councillors to `call in' the decision (see previous Salford Star article – click here).
This followed protests at Salford Council meetings, demonstrations on the steps of the Civic Centre and even a Rally On The Lawn which the Mayor and his cohorts tried everything to stop (see here).
The huge package of cuts to Adult Services will lead to the privatisation of some services, reduced in-house Council services and some services being axed altogether, as people will be left to struggle on their own with their issues and problems and poverty (see Salford Council's New Dickensian DIY Welfare – click here).
Part of the cuts package was a £600,000 butchering of the Passenger Transport Unit used by 209 adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health problems.
This Unit provides specialist transport to day care centres and Granville respite centre, complete with trained escorts and drivers. Instead users have been told to use `Ring and Ride, taxis, ordinary public transport or assistance from friends and family'.
The "efficiency" as the Council calls it, was formally opposed by 63% of users, 69% of carers and 64% of families who thought it `wasn't fair' in the official consultation, while they also raised concerns about reliability, availability, costs and safety, particularly for those who live on their own.
Nevertheless, the Council decided that, of the 209 people who use the transport service, "169 people could make adequate alternative arrangements, and that the other 40 could use an alternative form of transport with some support".
Parents and carers are adamant that there is no `alternative form of transport'…
"We have looked into Ring and Ride and because of the severity of both my sons' disabilities it's no good for them" Noreen Bailey explains "Ring and Ride are over run with the people who use them…"
Noreen has called a meeting of parents, carers and supporters on Tuesday 15th July at Swinton Legion, 7pm, for people to discuss a last stand against the cuts.
"This might be the last chance we have to try to stop this cut" says Noreen "Anyone that has used, or knows who has used the transport in the past, or will be doing when their child finishes school are especially welcome.
"If we can get enough parents, drivers, carers and escorts, we have a chance to force the Council to reconsider" she adds "Please let's try this last attempt for our special sons and daughters who all deserve better, and for those who don't have a voice to be heard."
The campaigners have boosted by three Labour Party councillors who have called in the Mayor's decision, horrified by the potential impact…
"It's important that councillors get a proper chance to see the results of the consultations, consider exactly what is being proposed and look at any alternatives available" says Councillor Peter Wheeler, one of the signatories.
The service users, parents and carers have said that the cut is unfair, with some unable to cope. Three councillors, with support from others, have formally opposed the cut. Even the Council report upon which the decision was based states that the cut "will disproportionately impact people with learning difficulties, who form just over 70% of current service users".
The Mayor and his Assistants haven't listened so far. Perhaps they'll listen now…
Save Our Adult Transport
Tuesday 15th July 7pm
Swinton Legion
Cheetham Road Swinton M27 4UQ
* See also previous Salford Star articles...
How Salford Council treats its vulnerable people fighting cuts – click here
Fury as Salford Special Needs Transport Cut - click here
Salford Council Slashes Transport For Special Needs People - click here
Anti-Cuts Campaigners Take Fight To Civic Centre - click here
Salford Community Lobbies Council Over Cuts It Could Overturn - click here
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