Elderly residents fear Glasgow council cuts will throw lives into disarray

This supported accommodation unit in Glasgow’s west end may have seen better days, but to a small group of older men living here, Merken House has been home for more than 20 years. Now, as part of city-wide cuts of £2.6milllion due to come into effect next month, this unit in Purdon Street run by Aspire –who also provide 24-hour support – is to be closed.

Glasgow City Council’s decision has plunged the lives of some of its oldest residents – now in their 70s and 80s – into uncertainty.

The men understood they had been given a lifelong tenancy by the council in the 1990s. But the Sunday National spoke to one resident, aged 77, who claims that despite council assurances that resettlement packages are in place, he has been advised it may not be possible for the small group to stay together.

Temporary homeless accommodation may now be offered until a suitable home can be found, he has discovered, leaving him struggling to sleep and eat due to the stress and anxiety.

The council claims it is committed to finding a resolution. But Govan Law Centre has raised formal complaints on behalf of the residents. It is calling on the council to ensure it finds settled accommodation where the men can stay together and is considering their legal options.

Lawyers and case workers claim the upset caused is evidence of the impact of the cuts. When the budget reduction of more than £2m – which was agreed by the Joint Integration Board over a year ago – were made public in May, the council said it was part of plans to “transform” homeless services.

It claimed all service users affected by these plans will move to either Housing First tenancies, mainstream tenancies or have appropriate support provided from alternative care group resources.

However, with just weeks until the unit is due to close, Govan Law Centre claims it is unacceptable that alternatives are still to be found.

Principal solicitor Lorna Walker said: “Our clients are sick with worry and struggling to sleep. They have a number of health issues and at this stage in their life they do not want to be moved. They are part of the community and this is where their support is.

“They are particularly concerned they do not know where they are being moved to. Our clients have enjoyed this service and support for years. They have been through the homeless system and this is their home now. We are currently looking at legal remedies.

“We are extremely concerned about the £2.6m cuts to homeless services and this is a direct example of the detrimental effect this has on people who have been supported in and used these invaluable services for years.”

Caseworker Brian Roberts added: “Each individual is well known in the local community for various reasons such as attending local clubs or volunteering in the area. I am really concerned that these gentlemen will be let down by the closures.”

One of the residents, who the Sunday National agreed to call John to protect his identity, said he felt “terrible” about the prospect of losing his home and potentially being separated from his housemates of 20-plus years.

Photograph: Jamie Simpson

He came to the Merken House after a long period of rough sleeping, followed by two years in hospital after being run over. He still has problems with his legs and spine as a result, has diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

CURRENTLY, staff help him take medication, give him support with housework, washing, shopping and meals and ensure welfare checks are done in the evening. They accompany him on local trips if required, and organise days out and communal meals for special occasions, including Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

“They told us it was closing about June,” he said. “There was no warning. The council knew way before they came round to tell us, they must have. But all they said was: ‘That’s it, it’s closing.’ We had a lifelong lease here. There were six of us put in here [in the 90s] – two of them died and there’s only three of us living here now.

“I still don’t know what’s happening – we’re still not any further forward. The housing officer was down the other day and said we might be split up, that we might be going somewhere temporary.

“That’s no good to me. You’ve got to flit from this house to that one and I can’t cope with that. Or they might just put you in a house and never come near you. I just don’t trust Glasgow City Council.

Before Aspire took over the unit several years ago, it had been earmarked for closure. But with the help of a legal battle fought by Shelter it was kept open. John feels aggrieved that though care improved after Aspire took over, no-one came from the council to apologise for the stress caused then.

“My health has been affected,” he said of his current situation. “I’m so worried I can’t eat sometimes – just wee bits and pieces – and that’s no good for my diabetes. I’m waking through the night, thinking about it.”

Though he’d rather stay put, his next preference is that places can be found for all of them together in sheltered accommodation in nearby Yorkhill. “We’ve got to fight for it,” he added.

Ruth McIntyre, deputy chief executive of Aspire, said it was working closely with the council “to minimise disruption for those affected by the change in service support”.

She added: “The three men specifically identified have had full resettlement plans created, taking their preferences and needs fully into account. The dedicated care manager from the council is working closely with Aspire and the men to secure their desired outcomes.”

News that Aspire staff would continue to provide support to the men in their new accommodation had been “positively received”, she claimed.

A council spokeswoman said it was not aware of a life-long lease and said that if service users wished to “retain social bonds” this will be facilitated though it “would not necessarily mean the service users living together”.

She added: “Merken House has been recommended for closure as it is no longer suitable for the modern service we look to deliver.

“All service users have individual move on plans which are tailored to their specific needs and are reviewed regularly.

‘‘There is a clear communication process in place which sits alongside access to ancillary support organisations who can provide advocacy and advice.”