Vote to close adult day centre could be delayed

A decision on the closure of an adult day centre could be delayed following calls from councillors for further scrutiny.

Cauwood Day Service in Malton supports adults with complex needs, including autism and learning disabilities.

Officers at North Yorkshire Council previously recommended shutting the centre, with its services offered elsewhere in Ryedale.

Executive members are due to vote on its closure on 4 August but a scrutiny committee has called for the issue to be examined by its members first.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said members of the care and independence overview and scrutiny committee voted on Wednesday to call on the authority's executive to delay its decision on the future of Cauwood.

Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Mason, who proposed the pause, said: "The current case for closing Cauwood has not met the test residents should expect.

"The proposed saving is marginal when set against the council's wider budget, but the consequences for people with complex needs, their families and unpaid carers could be profound.

"Before any final decision is made, the council must show where current users will go, whether those alternatives meet the same specialist standards, and how risks to users and carers will be managed."

An initial delay was previously agreed to have a consultation on the planned closure.

Conservative councillor Keane Duncan, who has supported campaigners, said it now seemed right for the gathered responses to be examined in detail.

"Meanwhile, the petition in support of Cauwood has gathered more than 1,500 signatures, meaning the issue will be considered by councillors at the area committee," he said.

"This will be a chance to hear from the families of service users and local charities about Cauwood's importance."

The petition will be discussed at Thirsk and Malton Area Committee 30 July.

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