The family of a pensioner suffering with multiple sclerosis has vowed to take on Bromley Council over a “cost-cutting” move to put her in a new care home.

Susan Willats, 70, has lived in Bromley for the last 50 years and spent the last decade in St Cecilia’s care home in Bromley.

Ms Willats, who formerly taught at Bullers Wood School for Girls, suffers with MS and has an arrangement whereby her tenancy is partially funded by the council.

Following a review, Ms Willats family fear the council is pressing to move her to a home they believe will not be able to support her needs.

Surprise

Susan’s brother, Peter Willats, who lives in Tonbridge, said: “Following the normal review, out the blue the council wrote back saying they didn’t think she should be staying where she is.

“We were all totally surprised. She hasn’t got any better and she needs a lot of support.  We can’t understand it, that’s where they’ve paid for her to be the last 12 years.”

The council has recommended Ms Willats be moved to Sutherland Court in Penge, part of Extra Care Housing, which promotes independence.

Mr Willats, 64, said that care home will not be able to support the complex needs of his sister, who is paralysed on her right side and wheelchair-bound.

“It’s a different category,” he said, “We visited the place they suggested, it is a lovely place but it’s our opinion and the opinion of Susan’s physio it is not suitable.

“They have pushed a tenancy at facility that they describe in their own brochure as being suitable for people who cannot cope at home but do not need a care home or a care home with nursing – which is where they have been paying for her to stay for the past 12 years."

Costs 

Mr Willats accused the council of trying to cut costs, adding that without the council’s financial support his sister would have no option but to move.

“Basically we were told we have to accept a tenancy agreement at the new place – they are threatening to cancel their arrangements with Cheshire Home (which manages St Cecilia’s care home). and she would face eviction.

“This is her home, it’s the only place she knows. There are social and mental risks about moving her as well as the physical.”

The Willats family has hired a specialist lawyer to take on the council over the proposed move, and said MP Bob Neill has written in support of their cause.

“We’ve got to keep fighting it,” the brother said.

Bromley Council

Bromley Council said it regularly reviews support and care given by the council.

A spokeswoman said: “Attitudes to care and independence have changed over the years and it is now recognised that people who have everything done for them, as in a care home, often do not fare as well as those who, where they are capable, are supported to be a bit more independent.

“When we suggest a move to more suitable accommodation we do not do this lightly. Following careful reassessment, and where the person is amenable, we always offer support. We show them what is available as alternatives, such as our extra care housing, and give them time to make visits and attend activities. Only when we are satisfied that someone is ready for a move will we instigate this, though we do suggest a timeframe.

“In addition, the cost of care home places to taxpayers can run into tens of thousands of pounds and the council has a duty to make sure that taxpayers’ funds are used wisely by providing the most appropriate level of care in each case. This frees up tight resources for those more vulnerable who need a higher level of support.”