“Easy Read” Version Of Consultation To Be Provided To Assist Service Users In Understanding Proposals

Adults living in supporting accommodation in the Rochdale area will now have the opportunity to contribute to a consultation on a proposed Remodelling of supported living for people for Learning Disabilities.

Rochdale Council has informed law firm Irwin Mitchell and the clients it represents of its decision to extend the consultation period on the proposals until 28 November and to produce an easy read version of the consultation process to enable those affected by the proposed changes to take part in the process.

The move comes after public law experts at Irwin Mitchell informed the local authority of its intention to launch a legal challenge over the council’s proposals for remodelling of supported living.

Rochdale Council argue that the remodelling proposal would lead to a wider range of care and support options being made available to disabled people at a lower cost.

However experts at Irwin Mitchell outlined that Rochdale Council failed to give sufficient reasons for its proposals, that it was unclear how the council arrived at the figures it quotes about the savings it says will be achieved under its proposals and that no information was provided on alternatives for those living in supported accommodation.

Those utilising supported living accommodation in the Rochdale area have argued that the proposals would lead to a move away from small supported living placements and towards larger group homes.

The Council’s proposals could potentially result in a move for people with learning disabilities away from supported living placements with around 2 to 4 residents and into placements which will accommodate larger numbers of residents.

Mathieu Culverhouse, a public law expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office, said:

Expert Opinion

“Our clients believed the proposal for the remodelling of supported living accommodation by Rochdale Council were in breach of the Council’s statutory duties.

“We are glad the council has extended the consultation date and taken steps to ensure an easy read version of the consultation is published by 2 November, which will enable those vulnerable people potentially impacted by the proposed changes to contribute to the debate and raise the very serious concerns they have about the local authority’s proposals.

"However, there remain concerns that the information published to date by the Council fails to provide service users and their families with sufficient information and we will be reviewing the position in light of the new documents to be published by the Council.” Mathieu Culverhouse - Partner