Issue - meetings

1.         Mrs Tidmarsh introduced the report and responded to comments and questions from Members.  The following points were highlighted:-

a)         the proposed changes have not yet been made and are not a fait accompli, so, if it is minded to, the Committee still has the opportunity to recommend that they not be made;  

b)         the proposed changes represent only an interim position; buildings are to be refurbished, not closed, and the present users catered for temporarily in a different facility at the same site;

c)         most responses to the consultation which had come from service users and their carers had expressed a wish for the current group to remain together.  Only one person chose to move to a different centre which is nearer their home and offers a different type of service;

d)         all KCC Members who represent service users affected by the proposals had been invited by the Cabinet Member, Mr Gibbens, to a consultation session;

e)         the proposals had been very well thought through, with account being taken of the difficulty some vulnerable service users have in coping with change;

f)          charges made for sessions are means tested and based on service users’ income, and many pay less than the maximum cost of £28 per day session.  Most service users provide their own transport; and

g)         the process of modernising day opportunities (for example, those for people with learning disabilities) has developed and been much improved since earlier changes, with lessons being learnt from each successive experience.

2.         Mr Gibbens thanked Members for their comments. He reassured the Committee that he personally briefs Local Members about such changes when they are proposed.  He added that one person had attended a consultation meeting and had been supportive of the proposed changes.

3.         RESOLVED that the decision proposed to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, to take forward the re-provision of services for people with a physical disability at The Bridge Resource Centre at Hythe, using alternate providers or a direct payment, be endorsed.