Leader thanks people of Lancashire for taking part in consultation reviewing adult social care

An eight-week consultation, which closed on Friday, sought views on how the council can continue to deliver high-quality care in a way that is sustainable and effective for the future.

The consultation forms part of key work to reimagine how social care could be provided to better meet the needs of people across Lancashire.

It aligns with the council’s Living Better Lives in Lancashire strategy, the focus of which is to help people live safely and independently, deliver good quality care, meet people’s needs and use public money wisely.

As part of the review, feedback was invited on a clear set of guidelines for evaluating services, as well as the potential reprovision of ten sites - five residential care homes and five day centres - identified for detailed scrutiny due to concerns about their condition, safety and long-term viability.

The consultation generated more than 1,600 responses from residents, families, staff, and stakeholders, which will now be carefully studied and evaluated.

The council has also commissioned new surveys to evaluate the condition of the existing buildings, alongside modernisation assessments to determine their potential for upgrades to enable the delivery of high-quality care for the long term.

The findings from these reports, including associated cost implications, will be carefully considered in conjunction with the consultation outcomes.

To ensure every option is thoroughly explored, including further engagement with partners and key stakeholders, additional time will be taken before any final decisions are made.

Cllr Stephen Atkinson, leader of the council, said: “We would like to thank everyone for their feedback to our consultation.

"Stakeholders have shared their voices with us in many ways, through questionnaires, heartfelt letters and thoughtful emails, and each response is a valued part of this journey together.

"It seems only wise because of the large volume of information we have gathered to take all the necessary time to thoroughly consider all the data provided as part of this process.

"We know that this will prolong the uncertainty surrounding the future of the facilities involved, and for that I am sorry. However, this is a process we do not want to rush - it is simply too important.

"This is clearly an emotive issue, and we understand that people feel extremely strongly about the future of these care homes and day centres.

"Our objective has always been to consider how best we ensure the safety and dignity of our residents and day centre users, both now and in the future.

"As always, we want to make the best decision for the people of Lancashire using all the relevant information at our disposal.”