The Lancaster MP has called for clarity over the future of a day centre that was earmarked for possible closure by Lancashire County Council.
The authority launched a review into five care homes and five day centres in October, including Lancaster’s Vale View, and previously said recommendations would be presented next month.
The consultation into the facilities received 1,600 responses meaning the council has now said they will take until later in the spring to make their decision.
In October the county council said Vale View, one of five day centres and five care homes across the county, was under "detailed scrutiny due to concerns around its condition, future safety, and long-term viability" but "no decisions had been made" about its future.
But earlier this week the ruling Reform group on Lancashire County Council announced that it plans to invest in the facilities of the five care homes listed for review.
However, the party has been silent on what their proposal means for the five day centres that were part of the same review.
Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith has called for clarification of the situation, writing to the authority for an urgent update.
Ms Smith said: ‘’Following yesterday's chaotic announcement from Reform that 10 care homes and day centres in Lancashire were not closing, and following my urgent request for clarity I have now received an update from Lancashire County Council.
‘’Reform need to provide some clarity as soon as possible on their announcement yesterday on the 10 at-risk care homes and day centres, as this level of confusion and frustration for vulnerable older adults, their families, and staff is unacceptable.
‘’Our care homes and day centres should get the investment they need.’’
The reply came from John Williams, Director of Operations at Lancashire County Council, who said no official decisions had been made.
He said: ‘’We understand that people have a lot of questions.
‘’It's important that we follow the correct process to ensure everyone's voice is heard and accurately reflected.
‘’At this stage, no decisions have been made about the future of the care homes or day centres, including Vale View.
‘’All feedback gathered during the consultation will be brought together into a full report for Cabinet in the spring, when councillors will review the findings before any formal decisions are taken.
‘’Thank you again for your continued patience as we move forward.’’
Last Saturday, hundreds of people gathered for a demonstration against any prospect of closure also took place in Preston city centre, during which the union UNISON threatened strike action amongst care staff over the issue.
Cabinet member for adult social care, County Cllr Graham Dalton of Lancaster Rural North (pictured below), said: “Our priority has always been – and remains – doing what is right for the people of Lancashire who rely on our care.
“That’s why our review into the model of care across Lancashire has identified that investment is long overdue.''
“Lancashire residents expect and deserve high-quality social care services. We’re committed to innovation and investment that ensures services remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future. Our existing care homes must receive the investment they deserve.
“Residents should be in no doubt that our administration is thinking of families and the workforce when we make decisions. Many have been understandably anxious during this process which is why we will share the conclusions of this review with you at the earliest opportunity.
“We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views during the consultation. We understand how worrying and unsettling this process has felt for many people, but rest assured that your feedback is essential and will play a meaningful role in shaping the recommendations.”
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