Aberdeen City Council’s plans to cut funding for a charity which has developed “Scotland’s village of dreams” for adults with learning difficulties and additional support needs have been slammed.
North East MSP Liam Kerr has written to the council’s chief executive Angela Scott, and SNP-Lib Dem administration leaders Christian Allard and Ian Yuill, on the “devastation” that the plans will cause to Newton Dee Camphill Community.
At its budget meeting on Wednesday, the city council is proposing a 50% cut to day activities for residents of the charity aged under 65 and 100% for those over 65.
Mr Kerr said the announcement has left staff, residents and their families extremely distressed, with only seven weeks’ notice given of the council’s intentions.
Described as Scotland’s village of dreams, Newton Dee is part of the Camphill movement, whose communities are run as charities with no division between carers and the cared-for.
In his letter, Mr Kerr also sighted the implications of the council’s intention to cut funding on the mental and physical health of residents.
He said: “I’m deeply concerned by what I hear are the council’s proposals to implement a 50% cut to day activities for residents of the charity aged under 65 and 100% for those over 65.
“This has understandably left staff, residents, and their families extremely distressed, with only seven weeks’ notice given of the council’s intentions.
“Cutting funding like this would have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of residents.
“The impact on residents, families, and other public services in Aberdeen and the North East would be overwhelmingly negative and represent a failure of planning, long-term thinking and indeed care for our people.
“I am also concerned about the potential for age discrimination and human rights breaches.”
Mr Kerr added in his letter: “The work of the Newton Dee Camphill Community continues to be transformational for the adults who have developed skills in craft and outdoor activities while forming friendships of a lifetime.
“As one parent said, the charity has given her son a “sense of purpose” and made him into the ‘happiest boy she could wish for’.
“I have no hesitation in joining many other elected representatives at all tiers of representation in urging you to reverse this appalling proposal which risks the very future of this fabulous charity when your budget is decided on March 5.”
