Federation pledges to fight injustice on Neighbourhood Networks

Altrum is a federation of organisations and individuals that exists to advance the power and interest of people with disabilities who are at risk of segregation.

It is now calling on the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council to reverse its damaging decision fully to remove the funding for one of its member organisations, Neighbourhood Networks.

This follows the council decision to save money by cutting all social care services from all vulnerable people but the most immediately urgent cases.

For Argyll has published on this serious matter on several previous occasions and welcomes the intervention of this professional membership organisation.

Neighbourhood Networks is a member of Altrum and Altrum members are extremely concerned for those members of the network who have seen the contract with the Council terminated at short notice.

Neighbourhood Networks is a not for profit organisation made up of members, staff and trustees. It facilitates networks of mutual support for vulnerable people, an approach that meets the Scottish Government objectives for social care provision. It has demonstrated a strong willingness and commitment to deliver their much needed service and outcomes for members for significantly less cost and has received recognition and praise for the personal and flexible approach to the service it provides.

Altrum believes that the rights of the Network members have clearly been ignored where the Council has unlawfully failed to consult with the Network members who are directly affected by the announcement to withdraw their service. Altrum is extremely concerned for those members of the Network who are facing a life without the service as the impact on individuals may be significant.

Lorna McDonald, an active member of Neighbourhood Networks in Mid Argyll states: ‘I have never been consulted about what impact this decision will have on my life. This is very upsetting for me as without Neighbourhood Networks I will have no support. This decision has been made without talking to me about how I feel or without talking through with me what my needs are or how I will be affected by this decision. This is totally wrong and if it can happen to me as a member of the Project Board, how safe other people being affected by this decision and what work has been done to assess their needs?’

Altrum members understand the Councils financial predicament, but regard the action against Neighbourhood Networks as short sighted, focussing on immediate cash savings and political expediency without considering the wider, long term impacts to the taxpayer, or society as a whole.

The federation’s media statement says: ‘We would therefore add our voice in urging Argyll & Bute Council to reverse its decision to withdraw vital service provided by Neighbourhood Networks.

‘Altrum is fully committed to provide any support that it can to Neighbourhood Networks and it’s members to formally contest the decision and to seek a judicial review.’

That is strong and serious support in a very serious matter of public concern.