Tories vote down Lib Dem plan to save social care facilities

The Conservative administration at East Sussex County Council has voted down a Liberal Democrat amendment that would have saved vital social care facilities across the county, including the Phoenix Centre in Lewes. 

The Lib Dem proposal would have reinstated over £1.5 million in funding, protecting essential services for older people and those with disabilities, including the Phoenix Centre, Milton Grange, Linden Court, Hookstead, and supported accommodation for adults with mental health needs. Despite widespread public opposition to the closures, Conservative councillors rejected the amendment, leaving vulnerable residents facing an uncertain future.

The amendment, seconded by an independent councillor, would have funded the change using available reserves freed up by the deferral of the May 2025 County Council elections.

Lewes Lib Dems have pledged to continue fighting for social care services and are urging residents to make their voices heard. The petition to save the Phoenix Centre remains open at www.leweslibdems.org.uk/phoenix.

James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, condemned the decision, saying: “We were promised investment and funding in place of the cancelled elections next year, but instead, we’re closing down vital facilities just before a new authority is set up. This is a betrayal of the most vulnerable people in our community. The Phoenix Centre and other vital services provide care, respite, and dignity to older residents and their families – shutting them down will have devastating consequences. The Tories had a chance to do the right thing today, and they failed.”

Lib Dem Town Councillor Kevin West, who had organised protests against the closure of the Phoenix Centre in Lewes, said: "I've heard from so many people locally who rely on this facility for themselves or their loved ones. This was a chance to save a really valuable community facility and we've been let down. 

“The Tories have missed that chance. They'll be squatting in County Hall beyond their term in May, and decisions like this show they aren't on people's side. No wonder they have pushed to have elections cancelled.”