Unlawful cuts to social care services
In a highly significant High Court ruling this week, Birmingham City Council has been ordered to scrap planned cuts to services (such that only “critical services would be provided”) for the disabled and elderly.
In legal terms, the basis of the application to the court was on the grounds of disability discrimination and the Judge also ruled that there had been insufficient public consultation.
It is quite clear that elderly and disabled people need the help provided by Local Councils but as against this, if Council funding from Central Government is cut and the Council cannot raise sufficient money from other services, something has to give. If other services are removed, those affected may challenge this legally. Consequently, Councils seem set for a difficult, if not impossible, juggling act for the foreseeable future and probably would be wise not to reduce staffing in their legal departments !