Conservative Cuts Could Lead to More Homelessness.

Conservative Devon County Council are planning even more cuts to care services in North Devon. The plans, released last week, will increase the risk of homelessness, close the Mental Health Link Centres, and cut Devon Carers support for hard pressed families.

The time limited consultation on the closures was sneaked out after the County Council budget meeting. Local agencies and people who use these services have been completely caught by surprise at the news.

Louisa and Keith York are trustees of North Devon Autism Forum. They use the respite services to help them care for their disabled son.

“Our whole life is built around caring for our children” says Louisa, “The respite services give Bobby the chance to spend time away from home in a caring environment. At the same time, they are a life saver for Keith, me and the rest of our family. Those few days of not being a full time carer really help us to recharge our batteries. I don’t know what we’ll do if they are gone, life will just be much more difficult for all of us.”

Questions have been asked about the way that the news of the cuts came out. Janet Coates, a Barnstaple Town councillor, said that although the Town Council works closely with Devon County Council as part of One Barnstaple, they were not approached about how they could work together to support the Link Centres or homeless team.

“We worked really closely with Devon care services during the pandemic and are still helping to deliver support for vulnerable people in the town as part of One Barnstaple.” Said Janet “ I am so surprised that they haven’t come to talk to us about the cuts - but we would still be open to talks about how we can help keep these vital services going.”

Ian Roome, County Councillor for Barnstaple North, has slammed the planned closures. He said “The way these cuts have been announced seems to me to be cynical and callous. Once again, the Conservatives in County Hall have aimed their cuts at those least able and least likely to kick up a fuss. Here in North Devon, I and my Lib Dem colleagues will always stand up for everyone who lives here, not just those with the loudest voices or the most money.”

“I urge everyone who cares about the future of our care services and the crisis of homelessness in North Devon to fight these closures by writing to me or completing the consultation response.”

You can respond to the consultation using this link: https://www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/categories/social-care/

To get in touch with the Lib Dem team to let them know about your experiences of the failing care system in Devon email contact@northdevonlibdems.org.uk