ECHO readers have reacted with dismay to council plans to close every One Stop Shop in the city.
Yesterday, the ECHO revealed Liverpool Council are consulting on the closures as part of their annual budget review.
The move would see all One Stop Shops in the city closed down, with 'pop-up' services being implemented instead.
The council say the move would save £1.15 million as part of a £15.4 million cost saving drive to balance the budget, as well as arguing that residents have been successfully accessing services by phone and online since the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of One Stop Shops last year.
Unison, representing council employees, and Riverside MP Kim Johnson condemned the proposal, saying the move would leave the most vulnerable struggling to access services, and a petition calling on the council not to implement the proposal was circulated widely on social media.
Many ECHO readers also said they were unhappy with the plans.
Several readers pointed to the impact a reduction in face-to-face services would have on those who lack access to IT and phone services, with fears the elderly could be badly affected. This is something the council also acknowledges in their equality impact assessment of the plans.
Reacting to the story on social media, Pauline McCarthy said: "Disgraceful! What about the elderly and less well off who don't have computers and internet or no idea how to use them! Becoming a faceless society!"
Linda O'Reilly spoke of her 80 year old parents and their challenges using phone and internet services.
She said: "They are both [used to] going to a one stops to sort anything out when needed - rent rises, querying parking permits etc - and they are always done and sorted there and then.
"I'm sure there's plenty more in the same situation so the one stops are definitely needed."
Robert Pattison also shared similar concerns. He said: "My mum depends on access on foot to theses places as she’s not tech savvy. They should remain open for these people."
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John Shaw said: "Us older ones are not stupid, our grammar and mental arithmetic are as good if not better than today's high flyers. It's as you say, we prefer speaking to a fellow human being, I struggle with automated telephone calls, I'm not as adept with today's technology as young people.
"If I don't understand something, I ask for an explanation, which is difficult with automated phone calls and computers."
Abby Fairclough pointed out some people simply don't have access to facilities to get in touch by phone or email due to financial difficulties.
She said: "What a disaster feel sorry for people who can’t afford internet / a decent mobile or even credit!!"
As well as the extra challenges for elderly people and those without access to IT facilities, many others pointed to the benefits of face-to-face interactions.
Jane Anderson said: "I hate going online and would rather see someone face to face."
Jacqui Murray agreed, saying: "A lot of people had to go online because they had no choice but it’s always better in person - you get things sorted out better. Online is a nightmare."
Joan Comber said: "We have been desperate for a one stop shop to help us during this lockdown. I think this would be a disgraceful decision and I hope they don't go through with the closures."
Linda O'Reilly also pointed out that although people have been forced to use online and phone services due to the pandemic, this doesn't necessarily mean that the move has been a success, with some people who may have 'fallen through the cracks' since they've been unable to speak to somebody in person.
She said: "All this [about] them thinking it's viable because they think it has worked during lockdown - I bet it's not including the ones who have not been able to get in touch because they've not known how or had anyone to help them. People can lose homes if they can not get in touch if its about rent and stuff."
Some were enthusiastic about the plans. Colin Kirby said: "A good idea, utilise other council buildings and venues."
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Another social media user added: "The importance of face to face is massive for inclusion and access to services."
Liverpool Council have previously said the plans would "give people more flexible and convenient access to services that fit around their day" due to the introduction of pop up facilities to replace the one stop shops and that "no decisions has been made" on the plans.
The consultation is open to comments until February 13, and residents can express their views on this and other cost saving proposals, on the council's website.
