Children's Home Closure in Taunton (30/09/03)

The Liberal Democrat Executive in charge at County Hall voted to close a children’s home in Taunton today (30th September 2003) and thereby halve the number of residential beds available for children in the town.

This was totally opposite to the recommendation of the all-party Scrutiny Committee who voted by a clear majority that it was, at present, unsafe to go ahead with the reduction in bed numbers.

The Conservative Group is very concerned that the dire state of the Liberal Democrat finances is driving this decision.The proposal to recruit more home based foster places is excellent, but the gap in provision is clear and until that is satisfied, the decision is a disaster.

The view of the Scrutiny Committee was that with the trend in demand for places still upwards, and the present beds available only just meeting demand, the closure and sale of this home should be at least deferred.

Elaine Waymouth, Conservative Care and Safety spokesperson, said, “This decision is putting the best interests of children in our care at risk. Once this home is sold off, it will be impossible to get the facility back. They really should prove that they can recruit and importantly retain the home based carers, before selling.That is what we were asking and that is the recommendation of the Scrutiny Committee.”