The BBC have written a shocking story about the potential closure of work opportunities for disabled people in the Wrexham area, due to further council cuts.
This is depressing news, but hardly surprising under a Conservative/Independent led council with a history of putting profit before people.
This cannot be allowed to happen, and I would offer support to anyone interested in campaigning to stop this measure.
I have included yesterday’s BBC report below.
***
Two projects which provide work opportunities for about 75 people with a disability look set to be closed in the latest round of council cuts.
Wrexham Council plans could hit the Cunliffe enablement centre in Rhosddu and the Erlas garden project.
It closed other schemes last year as part of an ongoing disability services review aimed at saving £334,000.
Council bosses said they would find other ways to support those affected.
The review has already led to the closure of Le Cafe and Portable Appliance Testing in Rhosddu, along with the Coverall laundry in Rhosymedre.
Councillor Joan Lowe, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said the Cunliffe and Erlas projects “deliver good services that are well regarded by service users, their families and carers”.
“There are, however, a number of issues and challenges with the sites and facilities that mean they do not offer the best opportunities for community participation and can limit community inclusion.
“The proposal is for the council to reshape day and work opportunities services to deliver more flexible, person-centred services that are fit for purpose, offer quality, are sustainable and make more effective use of available resources.”
The changes to the service form part of cuts agreed by executive board members for 2019/20, which were met with anger by opposition councillors last year.
There are currently 39 people supported at the Cunliffe Enablement Centre and 36 at the Erlas Garden project.
The latest plans will be discussed by councillors at a scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
