Protest at ERC budget plans

As reported in The Extra last week, up to 200 jobs and services amounting to £17.6 million could be axed in a bid to save £20 million over the next three years.

The council called a meeting with community organisations last night (Wednesday), but did not allow public access — prompting a campaign group to protest outside St Ninian’s High School.

The Save Bonnyton House campaigners are arguing against the privatisation of the only council-run care home in East Renfrewshire, which the council says will save £600,000.

Allan Smillie’s 97-year-old mother lives there. He told The Extra: “The whole thing is a disgrace. Private care homes are businesses operated for profit.

“I’m against selling off assets owned by the public in principle, especially a quality home with staff of up to 30 years service.”

The budget plan states that “Bonnyton House is more expensive to operate than its local equivalents” — but Allan believes that it is council-run day services within Bonnyton which are costing money.

He added: “There’s a hugely subsidised day care service — a facility not agreed by Bonnyton, but by East Ren Council. As an example, we’re putting forward proposals that by raising the charge for it, the council could save up to £80,000.

“But we haven’t been consulted on how to solve the problem the council appears to have. The online consultation is ridiculous because there are no bones to it — no facts, no details. Someone has to speak for the ladies and gentlemen who live there.”