Miss-Delectable
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Reprieve for deaf services facing the axe in Salford | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk
A town hall has given a stay of execution to services for deaf children, the disabled and the elderly.
Salford council is to re-think plans to cut its specialist teaching team for deaf youngsters, and close three day-care centres for vulnerable people.
Council leader John Merry said he wants more time for the proposals to be reviewed.
Both were met with outrage when announced in recent weeks.
The council’s Labour leadership said it planned to cut a team of specialist teachers and teaching assistants for deaf children from nine to four.
It said the service – used by around 240 children – was ‘over-resourced’ and more cash needed spending on helping those with other disabilities.
Families described the move as cruel and drew up a 3,000-signature protest petition.
A final decision had been due in the coming weeks.
Coun Merry said: “I’ve personally intervened because I’m not satisfied yet that we have met all the concerns of the parents and got the right model to go forward.
“I’m setting up a commission, which will consist of a number of cabinet members and some backbenchers – including members of the opposition – and parents.
“It will report back in four or five months. The important thing is to listen.”
Coun Merry said his bid to become Labour mayoral candidate in May was unconnected with the move.
But Lib Dem leader Norman Owen said: “He is playing with politics with local services.”
Meanwhile the threatened closure of Craig Hall day centre in Irlam, St George’s in Pendleton and Brierley in Little Hulton – which care for disabled and elderly people – have been put on hold for at least a year.
Coun Merry said an extra £250,000 had been found to fund the next 12 months. Officers will now scrutinise how the centres are used.
A town hall has given a stay of execution to services for deaf children, the disabled and the elderly.
Salford council is to re-think plans to cut its specialist teaching team for deaf youngsters, and close three day-care centres for vulnerable people.
Council leader John Merry said he wants more time for the proposals to be reviewed.
Both were met with outrage when announced in recent weeks.
The council’s Labour leadership said it planned to cut a team of specialist teachers and teaching assistants for deaf children from nine to four.
It said the service – used by around 240 children – was ‘over-resourced’ and more cash needed spending on helping those with other disabilities.
Families described the move as cruel and drew up a 3,000-signature protest petition.
A final decision had been due in the coming weeks.
Coun Merry said: “I’ve personally intervened because I’m not satisfied yet that we have met all the concerns of the parents and got the right model to go forward.
“I’m setting up a commission, which will consist of a number of cabinet members and some backbenchers – including members of the opposition – and parents.
“It will report back in four or five months. The important thing is to listen.”
Coun Merry said his bid to become Labour mayoral candidate in May was unconnected with the move.
But Lib Dem leader Norman Owen said: “He is playing with politics with local services.”
Meanwhile the threatened closure of Craig Hall day centre in Irlam, St George’s in Pendleton and Brierley in Little Hulton – which care for disabled and elderly people – have been put on hold for at least a year.
Coun Merry said an extra £250,000 had been found to fund the next 12 months. Officers will now scrutinise how the centres are used.