Call to reconsider Leeds care home cuts

Siegen Manor, in Morley, is one of three facilities - including The Green in Seacroft and Middlecross care home in Armley - which Leeds City Council’s Executive Board executive approved proposals to close.

But now councillors in Morley have asked for the decision last Wednesday to be “called in”, and reconsidered by the council’s health and scrutiny committee.

Coun Judith Elliott (Morley South, Morley Borough Independents), said: “We have made a formal request for the closure decision to be called in and reconsidered.

“We think the case for keeping open the home is overwhelming and we will do all we can to campaign to protect these vulnerable residents from a closure decision that is not necessary.”

Radcliffe Day Centre, in Pudsey, Springfield Day Centre in Cottingley and Wykebeck Valley Day Centre in Halton are now also set to close as part of the proposals.

The decision to close the care homes last week came after months of consultations and fierce opposition from campaigners.

A petition with more than 3,500 signatures was submitted to keep The Green open, while more than 1,500 signed another to save Siegen Manor.

The Morley care home was rated as “Good” in the Care Quality Commission’s latest report in January.

It was caring for 22 permanent residents at the time of the report.

Coun Rebecca Charlwood, the council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adults, said last week the authority had lost £200m over the last six years due to government cuts.