Politicians clash over west Hull care home
The city's ruling Liberal Democrats have been accused of "complete ineptitude" over the controversial decision to close a council-run west Hull care home.
The Lib Dem cabinet recently confirmed an earlier decision to shut Rokeby House, where 10 elderly people are still living on the first floor more than two years after the ground floor was flooded.
Families of the residents had challenged the move through the High Court.
Two weeks after the cabinet decision in July one of the residents, 95-year-old Dunkirk veteran Harry Glentworth, died.
In a full council debate earlier this week, opposition Labour leader Councillor Steve Brady claimed the whole issue had been mishandled by the ruling Lib Dems.
He said flood damage had been used as an excuse to close the home when repairing the facility in Rokeby Avenue would have cost less than the £200,000 being spent by the council on this weekend's Freedom Festival.
"We know management wanted rid of this type of residential care for years because of the cost and the Lib Dems jumped on that suggestion," he said.
"We also know there have been threats to the staff that if they speak out they might not get a job elsewhere once Rokeby closes.
"What this issue has shown is a lack of experience from the Lib Dem group and complete ineptitude."
But Lib Dem Councillor Steve Baker, the portfolio holder for adult care, said claims that staff were frightened to air their views were untrue.
"There is a grievance procedure for staff and so far there has not been one grievance submitted on this," he said.
Cllr Baker condemned Labour attacks on unnamed officers during a full council meeting.
"I find that disgraceful when they are not here to defend themselves," he said.
8 Comments
by Mike, Hull
Sunday, September 13 2009, 8:29AM
“Err, Ps. when this Government take the £28,000,000 back because you and your friends have stopped it being spent and there are no modern 21st facilities for our old people that of course will be the Lib/Dems fualt as well will it.”
by Mike, Hull
Sunday, September 13 2009, 8:25AM
“Pete,
the comment was made because their is no way for an officer to defend themselves against a councillor in the chamber and it should be avoided at all times, but you wouldn't know that because you tried to move bus routes inappropiate manner didn't you. Know the rules which your lot never did or do.”
by Lilly, East Hull
Sunday, September 13 2009, 12:10AM
“I dont support any of the 3 major parties we have to choose from tbh!
But lets be right, the council have used the floods as an excuse to close this place since it happened! It was proved that they werent right (id say honest imo) when they said it was as damaged as it was! Problem is, well no one cares anymore, especially if its not affecting them!
I say look after the elderly, id give anything for my grand parents back (im in my 30'), and in looking after them, remember OUR day will come!”
by Charles, Cott
Saturday, September 12 2009, 10:42PM
“Didn't Labour waste £600,000 on large telly in Vicky Square. Now that really was "complete ineptitude".”
by Dave, HULL
Saturday, September 12 2009, 5:26PM
“You have made your point many times Pete.Now shut up this story has overun its time,so has most the residents.
Shut up.”
by Pete, HULL
Saturday, September 12 2009, 12:13PM
“I have to say, that the comment that Steve Baker made about the councillor officers not being there to defend themselves is the best yet.
No council officer can speak at the council meeting
The chief executive is sometimes allowed to make a statement, the legal advisor can be asked to clarify the law, but all the councillors, irrespective of which party they represent, are extremely defensive on not allowing the council meetings to be Officer controlled, and rightly so.”
by Harry Brown, Walthamstow
Saturday, September 12 2009, 10:11AM
“Any council employee knows that using the Grievance Procedure is the beginning of the end of their career.”
by Harry Brown, Walthamstow
Saturday, September 12 2009, 10:05AM
“Any council employee will tell you that making a complaint through the Grievance Procedure is the beginning of the end of your career.”