Southend councillors have approved controversial changes to homecare services by just two votes.
The Conservative majority was trimmed to a wafer-thin level with many members absent from last night's meeting and three Tories breaking ranks with the party line.
Brian Houssart, Chris Walker and Tony Delaney voted with the opposition after impassioned speeches on both sides of the debate.
Labour group leader Kevin Robinson handed in a petition with more than 2,000 signatures opposing the privatisation of the remaining parts of the service.
Much of the homecare in Southend is already being provided by private operators under agreements with the council.
Mr Robinson said there was no clear reason for the council to go ahead with the privatisation of the remaining services as it would mean "a lot of pain for not a lot of gain."
Defending the proposals, cabinet member in charge of social care, Verina Weaver, said surveys of those areas already served by private care had shown a high level of satisfaction.
Liberal Democrat group leader Graham Longley suggested the council had been in the same position before over old people's homes and problems were now appearing where these had been sold off.
Published Friday September 3, 2004
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