Council chief attacks ‘scaremongering’ over care homes

Liberal Democrats have insisted they are not heartless, despite moves to scrap a manifesto pledge to build five replacement care homes for the elderly.

Highland Council budget leader David Alston, a Black Isle Lib Dem councillor, issued a statement yesterday aimed at protesters, many of whom vented their anger about the issue at a well-attended weekend march and rally at Fort William.

A second street protest is planned for Inverness on Thursday morning before councillors debate a recommendation from officials to drop plans for new care homes in the Highland capital, Fort William, Grantown, Muir of Ord and Tain.

A controversial “business case review” ordered last December concluded there was “no economic case” for a £30million construction project when the resulting cost would be greater than transferring residents from council care homes to independent facilities.

The authority is currently seeking £41million of service cuts to balance its books over the next three years.

Mr Alston felt compelled to respond to speculation among some campaigners that existing care homes may close as a result of the review.

He said: “All councillors feel passionately about services for the elderly and every single one wants to do their best for the elderly in their communities.

“Any suggestion that a vote against building care homes shows a lack of compassion is a falsehood.

“A few misguided or misled campaigners have suggested we plan the immediate closure of the five existing homes. This is untrue. Scaremongering of this kind, which distresses residents and their families, is a callous manipulation of people who deserve our respect and require our support.”

Mr Alston insisted the council would continue to operate the five homes “for as long as possible” and that, should any close at a future date, the council would “manage the transfer of residents to new accommodation in the locality in a sensitive and planned way”.

Within its capital programme, the council has allocated £1million each year for the next five years to support its care homes and develop “credible, alternative or additional provision” where required.

Councillors attending Thursday’s meeting will be directed to consider “other options” for social care and services for older people in the five locations.