MEMBERS of a local government union were planning to lobby the full meeting of St Helens Council yesterday (Wednesday, July 9) as part of an ongoing campaign for a re-think on plans to transfer the running of elderly people's residential homes to the private sector.

UNISON has opposed the council's decision to transfer the management of its homes to a 'not-for-profit' organisation on the grounds of cost since the scheme was first mooted in February. A final decision is expected to be made at September's meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee.

However, UNISON argue that the quality of care will suffer if the homes are transferred and have called a lobby of the council to relay their fears.

The union fears that the transfer to the independent sector will result in pay cuts and loss of pension rights and they add that the condition of the buildings will also suffer unless the homes are retained under local authority control.

UNISON convenor Kevan Nelson said: "We have a Labour Government committed to both public services and local democracy and this should give the council a greater range of options in providing care for the elderly. What better way for the council to demonstrate its commitment to its elderly people than by re-investing council house receipts back into residential care for the elderly? The council should be increasing rather than decreasing the range of quality services it provides."

But a council spokesman said: "Nothing has yet been decided on the issue of transferring the management of our elderly people's homes and nothing will be decided until the committee meeting in September when every factor will discussed. Up to now, the council have held numerous consultations with all the local unions where all the feasible alternatives have been thoroughly explored.

"The council are very proud of our elderly residents' homes and the hard work carried out by the staff and we will also be taking their best interests into consideration."

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