Public Speaking Time/Open Session
A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.
Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.
Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public contacted the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting to provide brief details of the matter to be covered.
Minutes:
Mrs Thornber of Congleton addressed the Committee regarding a proposal contained within the budget report on today’s agenda to consult on the closure of Mountview Community Support Centre. Mrs Thornber informed the committee of her disappointment that news about this proposal had been available only through the press. She stated that she had in the past used the respite services for her mother and mother in-law and had more recently used the centre frequently with her husband who had dementia. Mrs Thornber stated that she and her husband were “self funders” and that the last time they tried to book a respite care period, Mountview was not offered to them. When they asked about Mountview they were discouraged. She was therefore not surprised that the centre was underused. She frequently attended the centre on one day per week with her husband and praised the centre for providing a welcome change of environment and for providing opportunities for her husband to socialise and to receive extra mental stimulation, all of which had all contributed to his avoiding the need for residential care.
Miss Firkin also of Congleton addressed the committee on behalf of her mother Mrs Firkin, about the proposal in relation to Mountview and also expressed her concern about the democratic process that had appeared to have omitted consultation on this proposal, and expressed her fears that the closure had been predetermined.