Jon Pearce MP raises ‘devastating’ Tory council care home closure plans with Prime Minister

High Peak MP Jon Pearce has raised the plight of a dementia patient facing the potential closure of a day centre in New Mills with the Prime Minister.

The Jubilee Centre in on the list of care homes and day centres that could be closed if  Conservative led Derbyshire County Council implements its proposals.

Jon Pearce asked Keir Starmer about the Conservative Council’s proposed cuts at Prime Minister’s Questions:

“Conservative led Derbyshire County Council are proposing to close adult day centres and care homes across Derbyshire. My constituent, Pat, was diagnosed with dementia in 2016. The Jubilee Centre in New Mills is a lifeline for her and her family. She always returns home happier, less confused and less anxious and for David, her partner and main carer, it provides a vital respite. They are not sure how they will survive if it is closed. Will the Prime Minister join me in calling for Derbyshire County Council to think again on these devastating cuts for older people and their families?”

The Prime Minister replied to express his shock at the impact of the proposed cutbacks to adult social care by Derbyshire County Council.

He went on to explain “Councils across the country were at the frontline of the last government’s ruinous economic failure that’s left people who rely on services counting the cost. There’s no quick fix to this but we will provide councils with more stability and certainty through multi year funding settlements ensuring councils can plan their finances for the future properly and we will work with local leaders to deliver this.”

Pat’s husband and main carer, David Bailey, said, “The difference in how Pat is when she attends is amazing. She’s happy, less confused and less agitated. I have time for myself for a few hours without having to worry about her being OK. It’s hard to estimate the cost in monetary terms but without the support of the centre, I don’t think I’d have coped. I wouldn’t have had the mental or physical strength to continue to care for her. We are grateful that Jon Pearce is fighting to keep the Jubilee Centre and the other day centres and care homes open and that he raised the issue at PMQ’s.”

Pat’s daughter, Victoria Bailey, said: “Mum going to the Jubilee Centre in New Mills has been a life saver. Some would say that’s a bit dramatic but, honestly, I’m not sure either my mum or dad could have survived this year without it. I feel like the staff there care for my whole family, not just mum.”