In the latest episode of the long running battle by parents of disabled adults against cuts to their transport, Salford Council has caved in before a full judicial hearing could be heard on behalf of one family represented by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors.
It was a year ago when three of Salford Council's own Labour Party councillors `called in' the decision to cut the transport, citing financial, safety and moral grounds. The call-in was rejected (see here). Later in the year, after many public protests (see here), service users took Salford Council to the High Court and subsequently lost on appeal (see here). Now some of those families that are not able to transport their sons and daughters to day centres are launching new legal cases. And the first one has been won.
"It is a great shame that the families of seriously disabled adults have had to resort to legal action to secure the transport services that they are rightfully entitled to" says Mathieu Culverhouse, associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchells "We are pleased that in this case Salford City Council has agreed to provide transport to our client following the decision of the Council to close its Passenger Transport Unit, which used to provide this service."
The Council has agreed to pay for a taxi and an escort to transport the disabled person to a day centre – and has also agreed to pay the legal costs to date, which, the Salford Star understands, will run into thousands of pounds.
Now, the Star also understands, there are at least three more families with legal cases lined up – which, if won, could end up costing the Council many more thousands of pounds, as well as having to pay for expensive taxi and escort services.
"We are currently acting for a number of other families who are in a similar position and we are urging the Council to reconsider its position in those cases to avoid the need for further legal action" Mathieu adds "Any other families who remain without transport following the closure of the PTU should also consider seeking legal advice to secure the transport they are entitled to."
Meanwhile, Salford Council faces more legal action over cuts to its Health Improvement Team from a service user, based around the lack of consultation when implementing its decision...
Update: 16th July:
The disabled girl's mother has now issued a statement...
"The changes suggested for transport were simply not suitable and have meant she has faced great difficulty in getting access to day centre support which she requires. We are so happy that the council has ensured common sense has prevailed and hope that similar steps can be taken for the many others in the same boat as us. The withdrawal of the PTU has had a massive impact on very vulnerable people and something must change."
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