Lancashire County Council say the provision of adult social care services, including the future of an under threat day centre in Lancaster, will be reviewed in the autumn.
Last year, as part of an Adult Social Care Review, the authority looked at the future of its adult social care services, including five residential care homes and five day centres, including Lancaster’s Vale View.
In February, Lancashire County Council confirmed that there were no plans to close any of the five in-house residential care homes undergoing a strategic review, but the future of the day centres remained unclear.
It has since been revealed that staff and day centre users have also been informed that day centres will remain open, with ‘no change at this stage to the care and support people currently receive.’
People who use services, carers, families, staff, community groups, residents and providers were invited to share their views through a public consultation held between October and December last year.
It received 1,622 questionnaire responses, alongside letters, emails and feedback from stakeholder organisations.
Now, it’s been revealed that councillors are being asked to approve the next stage in developing future models of adult social care, setting out how services could evolve in the years ahead.
A report to be considered next week recommends a ‘strengthened, co‑produced approach that puts people, carers and communities at the heart of designing future services, while meeting statutory duties and supporting long‑term sustainability.’
Councillors will be asked to acknowledge the findings of the public consultation, and endorse the development of a new Adult Social Care Model of Care, including co-production with people who draw on care and support, carers, providers and other stakeholders.
If approved, it’s expected the plans will be developed over the next few months and looked at again in September.
Below: Vale View day centre users meet with Lancaster MP Cat Smith
A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: ‘’This is part of our overall plan to improve adult social care in Lancashire in response to the findings of the Care Quality Commission.
‘’Responses to the consultation highlighted these services as essential lifelines — especially trusted staff relationships, familiar routines and being close to home.
‘’Around 76% of respondents disagreed with the reprovision proposals, with concerns often focused on how change was presented rather than improvement itself.
‘’People were clear that any future changes must meet individual needs, maintain or improve standards of care and keep support close to home. Many also said they needed to see what a better local alternative would look like before any decisions are taken.
‘’Any future proposals will be developed with people and communities, and guided by Equality Impact Assessments and other checks, to make sure improvements are safe, fair and focused on what matters most.
‘’Importantly, there will be no change at this stage to the care and support people currently receive.’’
Helen Coombes, Executive Director Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our priority is that people in Lancashire can live well and independently for as long as possible, with the right care and support around them when it’s needed.
“This report sets out what we heard during the consultation and the strategic direction for developing our new Adult Social Care Model of Care, shaped with people who draw on care and support, carers, our workforce, providers and communities.
“Every decision will start with people’s experience, protecting relationships, continuity and support close to home, and focusing on key areas like dementia care, reablement, respite, supported living for younger adults and community-based day opportunities.
“We’ll work openly with people to develop options, and we won’t bring proposals forward without understanding local impact and completing the necessary assessments."
Hundreds of people have signed a petition to save Vale View from closure.
Lancashire County Council said the sites have been identified for detailed scrutiny due to concerns around their condition, safety, and long-term viability.
But campaigners, including the Lancaster MP Cat Smith, say that View Day Centre has been a lifeline for many older residents, offering daily activities, days out, and a vital source of friendship and support.
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