Government cuts hit day centres for the elderly and disabled

Herts County Council is making the changes because of ongoing government funding cuts, and will ask people who use the centres, as well their families and carers, about the options being considered.

These include reducing the costs of catering at some centres, closing each centre for a week each year, and reducing the number of days some centres are open.

Colette Wyatt-Lowe, cabinet member for adult care and health at County Hall, said: “We are really keen to gather the views of service-users and their families on our proposals, and we’d also welcome any fresh ideas from them about others ways that we might be able to make the savings.

“We want to reassure service-users, their families and carers that everyone with eligible care needs will continue to receive day services if that is their choice, but the range and type of activities and where they are provided from, are likely to change for some people.”

Full details of the consultation are available online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/your-council/consult/

Copies have been sent to all existing service-users and their carers and families, and the council will also be holding meetings shortly.

The consultation closes on Friday, August 19, and feedback will be shared with members of the council’s Adult Care and Health Panel on Wednesday, September 7.

What do you think? Email [email protected]