The closure of four Birmingham City Council run day centres – including Fairway Day Centre in Kings Norton and Harborne Day Centre – was recommended in a report to a Council Cabinet meeting on (Tuesday 15th October).
Campaigners had hoped that Council bosses would keep all nine of the city’s day centres for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and dementia open, despite being tasked with making huge budget savings.
However, a report into the service recommended that the Kings Norton and Harborne centres, along with Beeches GOLDD in Perry Barr and Heartlands, should close.
If the recommendations were to be implemented, users would be offered places – including transport – to one of the city’s remaining five day centres. The changes would begin in March 2025 and no staff would be lost.
The Council aims to save up to £5.3 million in the move which is now out for consultation until December.
There were angry scenes both inside and outside the Council House this morning, with campaigners – many who rely on the city’s day care services – reacting to the recommendation.
A campaign to save Fairway Day Centre from closure in 2017-18 was successful.
Reacting to the news, Chair of the Fairway Day Centre Carers Group Wendy Collymore said: “We are saddened and angry about the decision by BCC to close Fairway Day Centre and 3 other day centres. These purpose built day centres serve an important purpose for the people of Birmingham.
“All data from internationally renowned agencies, speak to an ageing population who will need the type of dementia related services offered at day centres.
“We have canvassed the local area around Fairway Day Centre, and found so many people who’s spouse, parent or grandparent would benefit from attending such a centre. But instead of bolstering these critical units, the decision is to axe them. And once they close them they will never ever replace them.
“It is not just the attendees at the centres and their carers who will lose out, it is the tax paying Brummies who have been so cruelly robbed of these facilities. We shall continue to fight to keep our beloved Fairway Day Centre, and the other 3 day centres open for as long as possible.”
A joint statement from Northfield MP, Laurence Turner, and Councillor for Kings Norton North, Carmel Corrigan said: “We are extremely concerned about the proposal to close the Fairway Day Centre.”
“Combined with the planned closure of Harborne Day Centre, there won’t be an alternative centre within four miles.”
“Some residents have spent decades in the care of Fairway and their families are understandably concerned that suitable alternatives won’t be found.
“We have listened to the families of residents who feel that the service has not been adequately advertised in recent years, and that their voices have not been heard during the consultation process.”
“We urge that the long-term costs are taken into account so that residents get the care they need, and ratepayers don’t end up paying more for less.”
B31 Voices is run by volunteers and is committed to supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Support us by donating at www.b31.org.uk/donate. Send us local story ideas to hello@b31.org.uk