MP labels move to block adult centre closure review “undemocratic”

An MP has stated that the action preventing a decision regarding the closure of several adult centres from being reviewed by a council committee constitutes an undemocratic act. Commissioners, who were appointed to Birmingham City Council due to its challenging financial state, determined that the policy should not be “called in,” even though several councillors had requested it. The council has proposed the closure of four adult centres throughout Birmingham as part of its cost-reduction initiatives. The commissioners utilized powers granted by the government to bypass the standard procedural steps. Preet Gill, the Labour MP for Edgbaston, asserted that the action “shut down democratic scrutiny.” The Beeches GOLDD, Harborne, Fairway, and Heartlands day centres, which provide support for adults with learning difficulties, disabilities, and dementia, are among those recommended for closure. Public anger was evident through outbursts during a meeting in early October when the proposals were introduced, followed by a protest outside the council house once it was confirmed that the plans would proceed to consultation. Councillors had sought to have the decision subjected to scrutiny by the full council; however, the commissioners declined this request. During an appearance on Politics Midlands, Gill commented: “We’ve already had a massive austerity agenda of cutting everything and now what we’re facing in the last year since the commissioners were appointed is more cuts to vital services. “When you close your adult centres, when you close your libraries, these are assets that once they’ve gone they never come back.”” She further stated that the commissioners were “shutting down democracy.” Lead commissioner Max Caller noted that while the authority to decline scrutiny has been exercised before, such instances are uncommon. Caller explained: “The council had pre-decision scrutiny on the day centre decision.” He added: “The cabinet has been made aware of the views of scrutiny and now it needs to get on and take the decision.” Caller also stated: “It costs in of the order of £100,000 a month to delay.” He concluded: “That £100,000 pounds is someone else’s service – someone else’s job.”