Hearing held into council’s decision to close day care centre
0Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is fighting a judicial review brought against its decision to close a day care centre for adults with learning disabilities.
Law firm Irwin Mitchell was this week arguing its case at the High Court in Leeds, on behalf of a client who attended the Oaks Day Centre for five days a week over the past eight years.
The closure of the centre, along with another centre and two respite facilities, is due to take place this month as part of a £4.2m savings package announced by the council.
Faith Salih, associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Our client’s family feel that there have been missed opportunities for partnership working which could enhance day services and enable them to stay open.”
The case claims that the council did not comply with the requirements for a lawful consultation.
A 12-week consultation found the overwhelming majority of customers, carers, staff and the public wanted Oaks Day Centre to remain open, with over 70,000 signatures received on a petition against the closures, according to the law firm.
