"I can't believe this is happening, I used to feel proud that we looked after our vulnerable people but it's all changed" parent
What is happening in Salford surrounding the cuts to transport for adults with severe disabilities and learning difficulties gets more shocking every day...
Despite protests, rallies, petitions and even a call-in by its own Labour councillors, Salford Council went ahead with axing its specialised transport service at the end of August, telling the majority of parents and carers to either use unsuitable expensive taxis or to drive their sons and daughters to day centres and respite centres.
One of the clients, Michael Robson - now joined by Jennifer Barrett called in law firm Irwin Mitchell which, last week got permission from the High Court to launch a judicial review into the cuts on the grounds of a failure to assess, a flawed consultation and a breach of equality duty...
...As part of the first High Court hearing (see here) Salford Council agreed to run an interim transport service until the judicial review takes place and anyone who had either appealed against the Council's original withdrawal of transport, or who put an appeal in by last Thursday would have their transport reinstated**. Despite lots of parents putting in appeals this has simply not happened.
"I submitted my appeal as soon as we heard we were allowed to do so, but my daughter still isn't being collected" says the mother of Amanda Taylor, who has cerebral palsy and learning difficulties.
"I don't know how they can keep getting away with ignoring the court orders" she adds "I can't believe this is happening, I used to feel proud that we looked after our vulnerable people but it's all changed."
Mathieu Culverhouse of Irwin Mitchell who is representing the two families launching the judicial review agrees...
"We are aware of some service users who have made an appeal but have not yet had their transport reinstated" he said "We are investigating these issues and, where appropriate, we will be bringing these cases to the attention of the Council. We would be interested to hear from any further service users who have made appeals but who have not had their transport service reinstated."*
A driver of one of the special buses underlines the point, revealing that the buses are collecting less than a handful of passengers every day, despite having full crews in place.
"About ninety people should be getting picked up but an awful lot who have gone for the appeals have not been getting them" he explained "I don't think hardly anyone has managed to get back on the buses, maybe one or two at the most.
"It's bad and heartbreaking seeing all these people struggling" he adds "It's unfair on the clients, the people we pick up, but also on the people who care for them. They either have to pay taxi fares which they can't afford, and the transport is unsuitable, or they have to bring their sons and daughters to the day centres themselves. It's a big chunk out of their day and it will have a negative effect on their health eventually."
Because of the looming court case, there's staff and buses available but the intransigent Council is sending them out almost empty rather than helping some of the most vulnerable people in Salford.
And, to make things even worse for parents and carers, the Salford Star understands that one of the drivers who would normally be transporting people with severe disabilities and learning difficulties has been seconded this week to chauffeur the Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Christine Hudson, around the city.
"I am totally disgusted, it's killing me to find this out when we can't get on the buses" said one parent whose sons have been denied transport following the cuts "There's an old man of 84 who has just come out of hospital and now has to take his daughter to the centres every day. Hearing about one of our drivers chauffeuring the Mayor around is just another slap in the face."
It's nice to know where Salford Council's priorities lie...
The Salford Star asked Salford Council for a comment concerning both the Ceremonial Mayor being chauffeured and the lack of reinstatement of transport for those who have appealed in line with the High Court ruling. Salford Council didn't respond.
*Anyone wanting to speak to Irwin Mitchell law firm can ring 0161 838 2390 and ask for Mathieu Culverhouse.
** The wording of the official High Court agreement - (see also photo)...
The Defendant will:
(1) to continue the operation of the same number of specially adapted vehicles (SAVs) as currently being operated, which form the PTU, until at least 1 November 2014, or until further order; and
(2) not to take any steps to terminate the employment of the existing drivers and other support staff responsible for operating the SAVs.
The Defendant's position in respect of:
(1) persons who have not appealed against the decision, communicated on or around 29 July 2014, that transport will cease to be provided to them by the PTU, and
(2) persons who are not already in discussions with the Council about their transport is that appeals or requests for discussion from such persons will be accepted if they:
(a) are in writing, sent to Philip Marsland either by email to Philip.marsland@salford.gov.uk or by post to St George's Resource Centre, Cromwell Road, Salford M6 6SB and received by Mr Marsland no later than 4pm on Thursday 11 September 2014;
(b) contain good reason for not being made earlier;
(c) contain full details giving good reason why the new arrangements are considered unsuitable.
Within 48 hours of receiving such appeals or requests, the Defendant will reinstate transport by the PTU for such persons pending final determination of this claim.
For a full background to the Passenger Transport Unit cuts click here and follow the links
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