Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats disappointed in Scottish Government answer to Erskine Park home closure

Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats disappointed in Scottish Government answer to Erskine Park home closure

The Scottish government response to the closure of the Erskine Park Home in Bishopton by March next year is disappointing but not surprising according to the Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats.

The veterans care home for 40 dementia sufferers will be the second of Erskine’s care homes to close over recent years after closure of its Glasgow care home in Anniesland.

It is showcasing the difficult decisions that care providers are having to make with not enough funding to support the sector through the cost-of-living crisis. The Scottish Liberal Democrats have called on the National Care Service plans to get axed and have the money provided to local authorities to hands issues in the system now.

Commenting on the planned closure, local campaigner Grant Toghill said: 

“Honestly, the response that came out from the government saying it is not in their remit to intervene is so disappointing but not surprising.

“While yes, the National Care Home Contract rate is set between Cosla and Scottish Care that does not let the government off the hook for making cuts to local council funding. Basically, making Cosla not have the ability to offer more for our care sector.

“The Scottish Government like to take a lot about social care and a national care service but really need to start delivering for the sector now. The money from the national care service plans should be instead given to local authorises to deliver a better deal to help prevent closures.”