Liberal Democrats appalled at sell off of the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed has challenged Ealing Labour on this issue and the lack of transparency.

Ealing Liberal Democrats are appalled that Ealing Labour are evading accountability and transparency in their decision making by announcing the sell off of the Michael Flanders Centre (MFC), used by dementia sufferers, and hiding their decisions behind a bureaucratic wall!

Ealing Labour announced that they will be selling off this prime development land in Acton on 18 April 2025. This follows on from Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed directly asking Ealing Labour Portfolio holder in December 2024 whether they expect to close the Centre. Ealing Labour cannot be honest and truthful (they have had plans to close the centre since 2018) but were not open when Liberal Democrats asked questions!

Instead, they seek to evade, obfuscate and blow smoke in that faces of the residents and opposition by deliberately avoiding scrutiny. Ealing Labour have done this by scheming and defining this decision as one which cannot be scrutinised!

This stops residents and opposition alike in asking questions about whether this is the best and/or the only approach or whether others have been considered. It also halts and actively inhibits any discussions about the implications of this decision in terms of impact on lives and costs/value for money (Council Tax payers money). It seems likely that services may move to Sycamore Lodge in Acton and/or Elm Lodge in Greenford, both PFI schemes run privately by third parties.

Councillor Andrew Steed - Adults’ Services Spokesperson (Social Care, Jobs, Adult Education, Training and Skills, Mental Health and Disabilities) said: “Liberal Democrats are appalled that Ealing Labour have agreed to sell off the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton and in such a way to prevent any scrutiny or discussion of this decision. Users with dementia often rely on familiarity of location and people, as well as security of location to enhance their quality of life. Ealing Labour are introducing uncertainty and increasing the likelihood of more sell offs, including the Cowgate Centre (Greenford) and some Children’s centres (across the borough) which are also being reduced impacting the service delivery. Ealing Liberal Democrats are standing up for users of important centres like these, at a time when the demand for these services are increasing Ealing Labour are reducing them!”