Powys County Council urged to stop closure of day centres
Some day centres for people with learning disabilities, including Sylfaen in Llanidloes, are at threat of closing under a new model where services will be provided either through supported living providers or from alternative venues which are being developed.
However, Powys County Council says that 'none of the locality-specific day opportunities plans are public yet'.
READ MORE | Parents call for rethink over fears for future of 'life-changing' day centre
Plaid Cymru councillor Elwyn Vaughan has called on the council to carry out a 'proper' impact assessment before making any changes to services which affect the county's most vulnerable people.
'The Equality Act 2010 (Statutory Duties) (Wales) Regulations 2011 is perfectly clear in its expectation that a full impact assessment is done before any attempts to change a service is implemented,' Cllr Vaughan said.
'Yet here we are with Lib Dem-led Powys Cabinet deciding to close this and another two valuable centres without such an impact assessment specifically for these centres and only after taking the decision consulting with families, those using Sylfaen and staff.
READ MORE | Multiple day centres across Powys face the axe under new council plans
'The process should involve working with all parties in identifying needs before taking any decision not after. All that's happening is consulting now after the horse has bolted to justify a decision they've already done, hence the only fair and transparent step that should be taken is to stop the process, take stock and work honestly with families before taking any further steps.
'Additionally, we're being told that they want to save £277,000 yet I've been told by some in charge of the process it's not about saving money. Which is it, therefore?
'It seems to me they're trying to rush this process through now during the summer in the hope that everyone is away and it won't be noticed.
'The reality is this is a valuable, important facility and if we can't look after some of the most vulnerable in society then what the heck are we trying to do? What are the values one is pursuing. Let's stop it now and conduct the process in the correct way.'
In response, Powys County Council's Cabinet for a Caring Powys, Cllr Sian Cox, said: 'None of the locality-specific day opportunities plans are public yet.
'When we are able to make them public, I will write direct to town and community councils and to all of those organisations which have engaged with me during the review process; they will be the first to know'.
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