The Lancaster MP wants government talks on the importance of day centres amid continuing uncertainty over the future of a vital service for elderly people.
Lancashire County Council launched a review into five care homes and five day centres in October 2025, including Lancaster’s Vale View.
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 in January 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.
A further updated is expected to be announced next month.
Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Wyre, was speaking in the House of Commons, where in a Questions to the Cabinet Office session, she asked: ‘’ The Lancashire County Council's consultation on the closure of care homes and adult day centres is now closed and the decision lies with the reform-led county council.
‘’Care homes, adult day care centres in my constituency like Vale View are at real risk of closure. Can I ask for a debate in Government time about the value that day care centres offer both to the users and their families who support them?
In response, the Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, said: ‘’Can I thank my Honourable Friend for her campaigning on these matters. I'm absolutely at one with her on recognising the importance of day centres.
‘’They're a vital part of provisions to support adults and their families and I join with her in urging the Reform-led council to take their responsibilities seriously, listen to the issues that are raised here today because once again, Madam Deputy Speaker, we're hearing of Reform-led councils who over-offer and under-deliver.’’
Speaking last month, Cllr Stephen Atkinson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “We are committed to minimising distress for residents, families, staff and service users who are impacted by this review.
“We are grateful for the more than 1,600 responses received through the consultation, and we welcome the Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP’s recognition of the Council’s transparent and resident‑focused approach.
“This next phase will involve further engagement with stakeholders and potential partners to explore investment options across our directly delivered adult social care services.
‘’An outline business case will be developed and brought back to cabinet for consideration in April.”
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