Hagley Parish Council anger over division of funding

Hagley councillors are angry as the money, which has been provided by developers building in the area, will now be split up between them and nearby Belbroughton and Clent.

The money, which has come from Cala Homes and Billingham and Kite, has been provided to allow local services such as medical practices and community centres to grow to accommodate new residents who will move into developments being built off Kidderminster Road and Western Road.

The funding, which will be handed over by the developers once construction is complete, has already been allocated by Bromsgrove District Council despite objections.

Hagley Parish Council Chairman Steve Colella said although some residents of the new homes will use services in nearby Clent and Belbroughton, the homes will be built in Hagley and the overwhelming majority of residents will use Hagley Surgery in Victoria Pass, which is where the funding should be sent.

It is believed the new homes will create an extra 800 to 900 extra patients for the surgery. Currently, the practice has 7,200 patients with about 1,800 patients per GP and is at capacity.

Councillor Colella said: "It is extremely urgent that the extension of the Hagley Surgery should be fully funded.

"The funding has been split with Belbroughton which has also sought to have the Glebeland Medical Centre enhanced despite being expected to only receive an extra 100 patients."

Councillor Colella said the medical centre will miss out on around £40,000 in funding in total although he is not sure of the total of the grant.

The surgery has permission to expand to house more patients but would need the funding provided by the developers to do so.

Councillor Colella said: "Councillors are extremely unhappy at the position they find themselves in, as ideally the Belbroughton proposal should be funded, but there is not enough money to go round.

"In the circumstances, they believe the available money should be spent where there is the greatest need.

"If Hagley Medical Centre is not extended, we believe Hagley healthcare will be severely compromised due to an excessive pressure on facilities."

Data from NHS England shows that approximately 92 per cent of patients in Hagley are registered with the Hagley Surgery, compared to just 8 per cent with the Belbroughton Surgery.

Councillor Colella, who also serves on Bromsgrove District Council, which made the decision, said he has repeatedly stood up at planning meetings to object to the division of the money, which he said is unfair.

Councillor Collella said: "Usually, the case officer negotiates financial contributions based on where the impact of the development is most acute. The loss of several thousands pounds is not only one of principle but it could be equivalent to a much-needed piece of vital equipment."