THE answer from Chris Cheetham is short and sweet. 'No.'
He is the county councillor in charge of social services, an many at County Hall believe he was handed a poison chalice when he took on the role last year.
In the fortnight since the planned closures were announced, criticism has come from all quarters -- MPs, residents, fellow councillors and unions. However, he remains adamant.
He said: "Doing nothing is not an option. This is not about saving money.
"We are simply in a position where we have to start providing more care for people in their own homes.
"Many people don't want to be put in residential homes, they want at least some independence. To do that, we need resources and the only way we can do that is to reduce our residential home provision."
He added: "To refurbish our homes and meet government standards would cost £14.5million. That is money we do not have. If we just do nothing then all the homes will close in 2007 - simple as that."
By moving many old people in private homes, the council will pay around £100 a week less for each person's care. The remaining homes will be revamped, with the aim of still providing people with the choice of living in not-for-profit or private homes. Coun Coun Cheetham said: "I am sure I am very unpopular, but we have to change with the times."
Council leader Hazel Harding said: "I am desperately sorry if people have to move from their homes. But we are responding a Government directive. They want more home help and fewer admissions to residential homes.
"So many people don't want to go into these homes at all. They should be granted the choice. We have not said 'this home will close.' We have made a suggestion. If people have viable alternatives, we will gladly listen, that is what this is all about."
Coun Cheetham said: "So much good will come from this, it really, really will.
"We can cater for more people in their homes, we can provide very sheltered accommodation also.
"That is where people have the support they need but also need independence. "That is what is most important to many people, their independence. That is why things have to change."
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