The closure of Birmingham's adult centers is undemocratic, says MP

MP Preet Gill said the commissioners had “stopped democratic control”

British Parliamentarian Preet Gill wears a blue scarf with a gray background — MP Preet Gill said the commissioners had “stopped democratic control”

A measure that prevents a decision to close a number of adult centers from coming before a council committee is undemocratic, an MP said.

Commissioners appointed to Birmingham City Council due to the poor financial situation decided that the policy should not be “invoked”, despite a request from a number of councillors.

Four adult centers in Birmingham are recommended for closure by the municipality as part of its austerity measures. The commissioners used the powers given to them by the government to override the usual process.

Preet Gill, the Labor MP for Edgbaston, said the move “stops democratic control”.

Beeches GOLDD, Harborne, Fairway and Heartlands day centres, which support adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and dementia, have all been recommended for closure.

There were outbursts of anger from the public at a meeting earlier in October when the plans were put forward and a protest ensued outside the council house as it was confirmed the plans would be put out for consultation.

Council members requested that the decision be examined by the full council, but commissioners refused.

Speaking on Politics Midlands, Gill said: “We have already had a massive austerity agenda to cut everything and what we are now facing in the last year since the appointment of the commissioners is even more cuts to vital services.

Chief Constable Max Caller said it is “not the first time” the power to refuse a call has been used

Chief Constable, Max Caller, wears a red and white striped shirt with a blue floral patterned tie — Chief Constable Max Caller said it is “not the first time” the power to refuse a call has been used

“If you close your adult centers, if you close your libraries, these are assets that once they’re gone, they’re never coming back.”

The commissioners were shutting down democracy, she said.

It is not the first time the power to refuse investigation has been used, but it is rare, said Chief Commissioner Max Caller.

“The council had control over the day center’s decision prior to making the decision,” he said.

‘The government has been informed of the audit’s views and must now get to work and make a decision.

‘It costs about £100,000 a month to defer.

“That hundred thousand pounds is someone else’s service, someone else’s job.”