East Sussex County Council held its cabinet meeting on Tuesday where the a vote was passed to close several social care facilities in the county, including the Phoenix Centre, Milton Grange, Linden Court in Eastbourne and Hookstead in Crowborough.
This decision, which was confirmed following a consultation with nearly 3,500 people, means the end of ‘essential’ services in East Sussex for elderly people and those with disabilities.
Linden Court in Eastbourne provides a day service for adults with learning disabilities and the Phoenix Centre provides day services to older people with a range of physical and mental health needs living in the community.
James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, said: “This is an outrageous decision that betrays vulnerable residents and their families.
“The Phoenix Centre is a lifeline for so many in our community, providing care, respite, and dignity.
“The Conservatives had the opportunity to protect these vital services, and instead they have chosen to abandon the people who rely on them.”
Linden Court in Eastbourne (Image: Google) East Sussex County Council has said that thee estimated annual revenue savings in a full year are £191,000 following the closure of the Phoenix Centre alone.
On October 12, 40 residents, councillors from all three tiers of local government, Lewes MP James MacCleary – and even a dog called St Kit Bassford – were they with a placard held up outside the centre in protest at its proposed closure.
Kevin West, Liberal Democrat town councillor, who previously organised protests against the Phoenix Centre’s closure, said: “This is a devasting blow for so many local residents who rely on the Phoenix Centre, for either themselves or a family member.
“They have been hugely let down by this decision.
“Residents made their voices heard during the consultation, however the Tories have decided to completely ignore them.
“Instead of supporting residents in need, they have let them down once again.”
The council’s own consultation report acknowledged the public concern that these closures would remove essential support for carers and lead to increased pressure on the NHS.
The Liberal Democrats previously proposed an amendment which would have reinstated over £1.5 million in funding, which was voted down by the council.
The proposal, which was seconded by an independent councillor, would have used available reserves freed up by the deferral of the May 2025 County Council elections.
The full list of estimated savings by the council through closures or cessation of services:
- Closure of Phoenix Centre – £191,000.
- Cease of specialist Mental Health Community Outreach Service – £318,000.
- Closure of Milton Grange – £203,000.
- Closure of Lindon Court – £327,000.
- Closure of the Steps to Work Service for people with a learning disability – £194,000.
- Cease of the Community Support Service for adults living independently at home – £286,000.
- Reduction of the capacity of Hookstead Day Service by 25 per cent – £124,000.
- Reduction of the funding for the Housing-Related Floating Support Service from £4.3 million per year to £500,000 per year from October 2025 – £3,872,615.
- Rough total estimated savings: £5.5 million
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
