Suffolk: Liberal Democrats call in decision on day care services

4.55.10pm GMT Mon 22nd Jan 2007

Liberal Democrats on Suffolk County Council today called in the decision of the Conservative Cabinet to buy in older people's day care services from the independent and private sector to Full Council for proper debate.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Kathy Pollard said, "We took the difficult decision to call in these proposals because we felt that a proper discussion of such a major development was necessary. The proposals the Cabinet discussed contained no detailed financial breakdown of why County Council day care services cost more than those in the independent and private sector, despite this being the main reason for the move. Nor did the proposals give any explanation of what the Conservatives have done to try and reduce costs, surely something they should have tried before making this decision.

Most importantly they have failed to give reassurance or adequate explanation of whether there is adequate provision in the independent and private sector for those people who currently have day care places, let alone whether there will be adequate provision for increasing demand in the future.

Inevitably the Conservatives will simply accuse us of wasting time, their standard response for anyone who questions their decisions, but I doubt very much that the people, their families and the members of staff who will be affected by this decision will buy that line. The call-in procedure allows councillors to ask for a decision the Cabinet has made to be 'called-in' and come before the full council for discussion. It is a vital and integral part of the democratic process and without it the administration, regardless of party, would simply be able to ride roughshod over any opposition.

A decision to call something in can be withdrawn at any time and we will be more than happy to do so if the Conservatives are willing to publish a full financial summary which satisfies our concerns.

I believe these proposals deserve to be questioned fully and openly to ensure they will not result in people being left with a reduced or non-existent service. These proposals affect those most vulnerable in our society and will cause confusion and dismay to the dedicated, loyal and professional staff who deliver these services: I think it is right that a proper debate be had."