Hiring a professional to restage a botched council consultation could cost taxpayers up to £10,000, it has emerged.
The social work department wants to close the Kemback Street Adult Resource Centre for disabled adults but the Care Commission upheld a complaint about its first attempt to gauge the views of users and their families.
Later this month councillors will be asked to approve a second effort but this will involve paying an independent consultant to oversee the process.
In a report, social work director Jenni Tocher says: “The reason for involving an independent consultant will be to validate that the consultation has been carried out properly.”
The exact cost of hiring the person is not yet known but the director says this cost could amount to as much as £10,000.
Talks with service users and their families will be held in groups and individually.
“It is envisaged that the consultant’s role would be to validate the process being followed, as opposed to engage in the detail of discussion about individuals’ circumstances,” Ms Tocher said.
The discussions will start in May, with around eight group sessions being used to explore the changes in social work services, of which the proposed closure of Kemback Street forms a part.
The individual talks will help service users and families discuss their own needs.
In the wake of the Care Commission’s findings, communication aids will be made available to any of the disabled people who need them to express their opinions. Independent advocacy support will also be offered where required.
Ms Tocher’s report goes on to say: “It should be noted that some service users have already chosen to stop attending Kemback Street adult resource centre. They will be advised of the consultation and given the opportunity to take part in it if they so wish.
“But where individuals have already made decisions about future alternative supports and are anxious to progress these, it is anticipated that they will continue to be supported to effect this change. However, this will be within the context of the further consultation.
“It is crucial over the coming months that all service users and their families are supported in decision making specific to their own circumstances and wishes.
“The director of social work will also make clear to all consultees that while she has recommended that Kemback Street adult resource centre be closed, the final decision will be taken by the social work and health committee in due course.
“This will be taking account of the representations received during the consultation exercise.”
Committee convener Ken Lynn said: “I want to ensure that this consultation gathers the views of service users and their carers. The care that adults with learning disabilities get in the city must be more personalised to the needs of the individual and have more flexibility built in.
“This can mean more support in the community or continued day care support. If people have more choice to build the care package they need, that will improve their quality of life and that is the right direction for us to go.”