Tories call for rethink on £300,000 for disabled unit
COUNCIL bosses are being urged to reconsider contributing £300,000 to a new specialist facility for disabled adults.
Last month, Hyndburn Council cabinet members agreed the contribution towards a Lancashire County Council-built £2 million facility in Great Harwood.
The county council had asked members in Hyndburn to approve a £300,000 payment to help fund the scheme, to be provided from the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).
But now Tory group members, led by Coun Mike Miller, are asking cabinet to reconsider the decision by submitting a motion for call-in.
Coun Miller, along with his colleagues Couns Terry Hurn and Patrick
McGinley, say money from the DFG should not be used on a capital spending project because it is ringfenced for individuals to improve their quality of life and support people to stay in their own homes for longer.
He said using DFG funds for the contributions could leave people without access to cash to adapt their properties to their needs.
Coun Miller added it was not clear who would use the new facility and what the criteria is to access the service.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting where the funding was approved, housing and regeneration portfolio holder, Coun Loraine Cox, said: “The support provided through the provision of the short break units will enable carers to take a break from continued caring responsibilities which in turn will assist them to continue to provide that vital care.
“It also prevents carer breakdown which often results in care placement and will also support the placement of emergency accommodation for individuals displaying significant behavioural problems that pose a risk to themselves and others.
“Therefore the county council’s capital contribution to the adult accommodation unit supports the aims of the Better Care Fund priorities and supports individuals with disabilities to receive consistent supportive care which enables them to remain in their own homes and current caring situations.
“For this reason using the DFG underspend is an appropriate and valuable use of this funding.”
The matter was due to be considered at a resources overview and scrutiny committee on Thursday, February 6.