UNISON members in the West Midlands are to lobby a council meeting tomorrow, in a bid to save a home for vulnerable children from closure.
The meeting of the Sandwell Council cabinet is to receive a report on the proposed closure of Spon Lane Children’s Residential Unit in Smethwick. This is a home for vulnerable local children, aged between 11 and 17 years.
UNISON will be joining with members of the Social Workers Action Network, the local community and politicians to lobby against Spon Lane’s closure, or transfer into the community voluntary sector.
Sharon Champion, UNISON joint branch secretary for Sandwell local government members, commented: “Spon Lane has recently been judged ‘adequate’ by Ofsted, in contrast with some aspects of the council’s safeguarding of children’s social care, which was scored ‘inadequate’. It is obviously the better part of the service.”
Ms Champion said that the supporters of Spon Lane recognised that its building was not ideal, and were suggesting an alternative approach using two and three-bedroom properties.
“This would maintain the service and provide some continuity for the children. It would also save on redundancy costs and protect against transfer to an organisation whose primary concern may become financial.
“However, the new management and private partner, Impower, are steamrolling ahead with closure plans, without fully exploring alternative options.”
If the report was accepted, she said, the result would be “greatly detrimental to the youngsters whose home is Spon Lane, as well the local community who risk losing an improving public service.”
The lobby will take place at 1.30pm on Wednesday 12 June, outside Sandwell Council House, Spon Lane, Oldbury B69 3DB.
