"We always knew the Mayor did not have any thoughts for the most vulnerable people in Salford but, as we all know from the news that broke yesterday, not only is he cold hearted but also deceitful and underhanded, and able to find the money that was given to Salford rugby club…"
This is part of a passionate speech made at Swinton Royal Legion last night by Noreen Bailey, a foster mum to three adults with severe disabilities, two of whom have had their transport to day centres removed as part of cuts to some of the most vulnerable people in Salford.
Over forty parents, carers and their sons and daughters with disabilities, plus Council workers and supporters, attended the meeting to see how they can put a stop to the transport cuts which kick in for over 150 families on 29th August. Forty other families in need of `bespoke transport' still haven't got a clue what will happen to them after this date… "No-one has spoken to us about a `bespoke personalised service'" said one grandparent.
The meeting heard how Salford Council will face legal challenges from parents and formal complaints to both the Council and the Ombudsman about the cuts. Parents told of the economic and practical `lunacy' of the Council's proposals which included sending special needs adults to day centres by unsuitable, unaffordable taxis; or the parents and carers themselves having to take them, thus losing valuable respite time…
… Many explained that they wouldn't be able to send their sons and daughters to the day centres, thus putting the day centres themselves in danger of closing because of falling numbers. Salford City UNSON rep, Ameen Hadi, said that the trade union had suggested workable, alternative proposals to the Council…but these won't be considered until September 2nd – after the service has already been withdrawn on August 29th…
At the centre of anger, however, was Salford City Mayor, Ian Stewart, following the scandal that he secretly authorised subsidies of up to £164,000 to Salford City Reds, while proposing huge cuts to services for some of the city's most vulnerable people.
"We only have eight days to the deadline before our transport is stopped…can these cuts be stopped until at least this Mayor and whoever else is involved in this deceit can be investigated properly?" Noreen Bailey asked "Because if this amount of money can be found for a sport that has rich people putting money into it while Salford is being dragged to its knees, then money should be found to put back into our services – and those who have turned a blind eye should be brought to justice.
"I felt so sad just thinking that another human could treat someone less fortunate than themselves the way our most vulnerable people of Salford have been treated" she added "How on earth do we put our faith in anyone when we see what this man has done ?"
The parents, carers and their supporters called for a demonstration next Wednesday 27th August between 8am and 10am outside Salford Civic Centre, and want anyone who disagrees with either the cuts or the antics of the City Mayor to join them.
The Audit Committee meeting to discuss the internal report that has led to the biggest scandal to have rocked Salford Council for many years takes place at the Civic Centre at 9am.
"People clearly do still want to fight these cuts" said UNISON's Ameen Hadi at the meeting "The Mayor listens more to people like Marwan Koukash, Peel Holdings and corporate interests than to people like yourselves."
For a full background see previous Salford Star articles...
• Massive Public Money Scandal Rocks Salford Council With City Mayor at the Centre – click here
• Salford Mayor Scandal As Anti-Cuts Campaigners Demand Answers (for background follow links in the article) – click here
UPDATE: 27th August - Watch the live Salford Star TV broadcast from the Audit Committee meeting - http://bambuser.com/channel/salfordstar
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