Decision details

The Committee considered a report which detailed the findings from the consultation undertaken on the proposal around the potential decommissioning of the existing provision at the Stanley Centre in Knutsford. This formed part of the review of the Learning Disability service offer, and was consistent with the Cheshire East Day Opportunities Strategy which had been agreed previously, to move away from buildings-based care.

Although members appreciated the difficult financial position that Cheshire East Council was in they raised significant concerns in respect of the following issues

-       Asking people with disabilities to travel to alternative venues and  splitting up friendship groups, even if transport were to be provided would be detrimental to their mental and physical wellbeing.

-       It was felt that the financial options outlined in the report were not clear and that there had been no other options or alternatives properly considered. Concerns were raised that this would leave the Council open to legal challenge and as the MTFS had been approved in February 2023 there was concern that the decision had been predetermined due to the consultation process taking place after that date.

-       Some members felt that they had not got enough information to make an informed decision and asked for the item to be deferred so that other alternatives and costings could be properly considered.

In response to members concerns and questions officers reported that alternative options had been considered such as using the building differently. However due to the ongoing pressures on the budget, having to mitigate the forecast overspend and the expectation of the actions that would need to be taken next year, some of these alternative options were already having to be actioned in this financial year.

There were six providers which would be able to deliver services in Knutsford and transport would be provided for those people who currently used the Stanley Centre.

Should the decision be made to close the Stanley Centre a separate consultation process would begin with staff.

Consideration would be given to those friendship groups formed at the Stanley Centre and support given to keep those together.

Following the recommendations being proposed and seconded a recorded vote was requested with the following results:

FOR

Councillors A Burton, D Clark, D Edwardes, M Edwards, A Moran, J Place, J Rhodes.

AGAINST

Councillors P Coan, T Dean, S Gardiner,K Parkinson, L Wardlaw.

NOT VOTING

Councillor N Cook

The motion was declared carried with 7 votes for, 5 against and 1 not voting.

RESOLVED:

That the Adults and Health Committee approve the decommissioning of the day service at the Stanley Centre with alternative service provision to be provided within other Care4CE day services and independent sector provision.

The Committee Adjourned for a short break.

Councillor P Coan left the meeting and did not return.