Dundee City Council to reconsider support for Rosendael

SUPPORTERS of Rosendael Veterans’ Care Home have reacted positively to news yesterday that continued financial contributions by Dundee City Council may not, after all, be withdrawn.

Much remains to be done to achieve that happy outcome, but a meeting on Wednesday, at the request of leader of the administration and local Dundee Councillor, Ken Guild, seems to have provided a way ahead.

Mr Guild invited round the table Dundee’s director of social work and the chief executive-designate, along with Rosendael’s chairman and the home’s chief executive.

The problem had been that council officials reckoned that Rosendael, home for 45 ex-servicemen, did not fit the council’s definitions for eligibility for cash help.

Now, after what Mr Guild told the Guide & Gazette was a “very amicable meeting” on Wednesday, a two-month buffer-period will be taken to examine funding options.

He went on to say that there may have to be some changes of policy at Rosendael, but concluded: “I am confident we will be able to continue to give a fair level of support.”

Previously, Dundee East MSP and Public Health Minister Shona Robison told the Guide & Gazette of her optimism that a solution could be found to the issue which would have cost Rosendael a substantial sum, currently at an annual rate of £118,000.

Ms Robison added: “There is no doubt of the commitment of the Scottish Government to supporting veterans, as demonstrated through the priority treatment given to veterans through the health service and through other such support. I am sure that commitment is one shared by Dundee City Council.”

Dundee City Council officials took the view that Rosendael operates as a residential home rather than a care home, and does not meet the criteria for Council funding.

However, a number of Councillors disagreed with this, and feared that Rosendael had been identified as a soft target for cuts in the context of an overspend of £2.5 million by the social work department in the previous financial year.

The proposed cut was also fiercely opposed by Ian Ballantyne, chief executive of the Scottish Veterans’ Housing Association, who said it would have an impact on staffing levels, and force a re-think on who can be housed in the not-for-profit organisation.

Last Thursday, the Earl of Dalhousie was at Rosendael to present a cheque for £500 on behalf of the Dundee and Angus branch of the Scots Guards Association. He also handed over a framed picture of the Scots Guards in action at the Battle of Medenine in 1943. These were accepted by Colonel Jake Hensman, chairman of the house committee.