Appendix 11- Information for the benefit of Councillor's
Wellington House Day Opportunities Service: Council response to Wellington House Consultation feedback:
Maintaining friendships, relationships and support networks
The importance of friendships, relationships and established support networks was a consistent theme throughout the consultation process. Information regarding significant friendships and social connections has been captured through individual Care Act reviews. Commissioners and social work managers are aware of individuals who have expressed a preference to remain together should alternative provision be required. This information will inform any future transition planning.
Should the proposal proceed, any alternative provider would be required to demonstrate how it will maintain and support social inclusion and community participation. Providers would also be expected to deliver meaningful, person-centred activities that reflect the interests, aspirations, and support needs of those attending the service.
Transition arrangements and individual support
No final decision has been made regarding the future of Wellington House. Should Cabinet approve the proposal, a comprehensive and person-centred transition process would be implemented for each individual currently attending the service. This process would involve families, carers, social workers, health professionals, and providers to ensure that individual needs and preferences are fully considered.
Transition planning would include consideration of friendship groups, communication needs, health requirements, and personal outcomes. Where appropriate, Mental capacity assessments and best-interest decision-making processes would be undertaken in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Independent advocacy support would be available where indicated.
Alternative Day opportunity provision
The proposal would involve reprovisioning support through independent sector day opportunity providers operating within the city. Currently, approximately 86% of day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities are provided through the independent sector. Should the proposal proceed, all individuals currently attending Wellington House would continue to receive equitable Day opportunity provision.
Any alternative provision would be required to demonstrate that it can meet the assessed needs of individuals currently attending Wellington House, including those with complex support requirements, communication needs, behavioural needs, and health conditions. A six-week placement review would be completed for each person, to include feedback from the individual where they have the capacity to contribute along with families’ carers, providers and other professionals involved in the person’s care. An annual social care review will be in place which would be sooner if there is a change in need or concerns are raised. Carers assessments would be reviewed as part of the review process. Updated contract specification requirements and contract reviews would provide additional ongoing monitoring and assurance.
Current and future demand
Demand for Wellington house has reduced over recent years. There have been declining attendance and declining referrals to Wellington House in 2024 and 2025.
A review of day opportunity needs has established that there are no projected required placements at Wellington House Day options for current 16 and 17 yr olds.
Most day opportunity placements in the city continue to be for young adults aged 25-34 with an increasing number of placements also being commissioned in the 19-24 age range and above 34 years of age. We will need a flexible, responsive, cost-effective day opportunity market going forward to be able to respond to this need. Due to the increased unit costs Wellington house is no longer a viable option.
Wellington House Building
The building is no longer considered fit for purpose as a contemporary day opportunities facility. A substantial Victorian era building, it was not designed to support the range and complexity of needs seen today and would require significant investment to adapt it to modern standards. The ageing infrastructure also requires increasing levels of maintenance, reducing the flexibility and efficiency of service delivery and limiting the building's capacity to meet future requirements.
Provider engagement and market capacity
As part of the review process, Commissioners have engaged with Day opportunity providers currently operating within the city. Discussions have focused on current occupancy levels, capacity, capability, and the potential to expand provision should additional demand arise. Market engagement has confirmed sufficient capacity to meet these individuals' assessed needs. Through current capacity for 16 individuals and creation of additional capacity for 2 individuals with an existing provider newly commissioned to support specialist high care needs for people in the city. This work forms part of the Council’s wider commissioning and market sufficiency responsibilities.
3 further individuals will be moving to alternative care arrangements due to 2 changes in need and 1 preference to arrange support through a higher Direct Payment rather than attend a commissioned day opportunity service.
Consultation process
Families, carers, and stakeholders were informed that savings are required across Adult Social Care services and that Wellington House was identified for review due to cost and falling demand considerations. Officers emphasised throughout the consultation that no final decision has been made and that all consultation responses, survey feedback, and stakeholder representations will be considered before Cabinet reaches a decision.
There has been a robust 12-week Consultation and engagement process for Families carers and stakeholders.
Wellington House staff have had the opportunity to engage with Managers and Councillor Mitchie Alexander. Staff have also been provided with opportunities to participate in the consultation process through online and paper-based feedback mechanisms. Should the Wellington House service be agreed to proceed to closure a Staff Consultation would inform next steps for staff members. SCDS staff and the Cherish manager would also require a Staff Consultation process.