Birmingham RAGE Report 2.pdf

Birmingham City Council reviewed care services for the elderly, proposing five options, but the Residents Action Group for the Elderly (RAGE) challenged this, arguing it failed to meet Best Value requirements. A parallel consultation exercise by RAGE, supported by the City Council's Scrutiny Committee, gathered views from service users, families, staff, and community organisations. The report documents the findings, showing almost unanimous opposition to the City Council's transfer proposals, with 94% of users surveyed rejecting the options and preferring an in-house option developed by residents, staff, and the community. Key concerns included the potential adverse effect on the quality of care, ignoring the needs of the elderly, and limiting choice for residents. Staff were seen as crucial to quality care, with continuity, decent pay and conditions, training, and experience considered more important than facilities. Respondents also wanted increased funding, integrated care services, and greater involvement of families and residents in decision-making.