Decision over new care home for Fife town delayed

As a result of budgetary difficulties, the Policy and Co-ordination Committee of Fife Council was due to consider a proposal to reduce the size of the planned replacement for Northeden care home in Cupar.

The revised budget was proposing a reduction from a 36 bed to a 24 bed facility and 12 supported flats.

Following an intervention by Cupar councillors Margaret Kennedy and Tony Miklinski, the decision has been delayed to allow further consultation to take place.

“I was completely surprised when I saw the new proposals,” said Cllr Kennedy.

“The report stated that consultation with local elected members and the community council had taken place when, in fact, there had been none with regards the revised proposals.

“The expected processes, in bringing forward such a key infrastructure project, had not been followed. I have personally campaigned for years to have this new facility provided in Cupar therefore was extremely disappointed that changes had been made without my full understanding.”

Cllr Miklinski added: “When Margaret and I realised that these changes had bypassed us, we organised an emergency meeting with officers and the administration social care spokesman, Cllr David Graham.

“Happily, we were able to persuade them to allow a short delay to facilitate detailed consultation. As the local elected representatives of the Cupar community, we have a duty to ensure that the needs of our constituents are fully understood and the best possible service delivered.”

The local consultation process will now be put in place to allow the new proposal to be brought back to the committee at its next meeting.