Shropshire Council launches public consultation on future of adult day centre services

Shropshire Council has launched a public consultation and engagement on the future of its in-house adult day services, seeking feedback from residents, families, carers, professionals, and stakeholders regarding three proposals for change.

This consultation responds to evolving local needs and significant financial pressures, with the aim of ensuring services remain effective, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of people who use them.

Adult day centres play a vital role in the lives of many Shropshire residents, providing social connection, supporting independence, and offering much-needed respite to carers and families.

The council says it recognises the importance of these services in reducing social isolation and helping people live more independently. However, the way these centres are used has changed in recent years, with fewer people attending and demand shifting towards more flexible, personalised support.

At the same time, Shropshire Council, like many local authorities, is facing substantial funding pressures. Following the declaration of a financial emergency in September 2025, many services are being reviewed to ensure best value and high-quality support for residents.

Following detailed analysis, the council is consulting on three proposals for its in-house day services, which currently support approximately 178 people across eight centres and one voluntary service:

Proposal One: Potentially close the day service at Helena Lane in Ludlow for older people. The building itself will remain open for other services, but day centre activities would cease due to low attendance and high costs.

Proposal Two: Potentially transfer the Aquamira day service for people with a learning disability to an alternative venue such as Abbots Wood in Shrewsbury for people

Proposal Three: Potentially explore opportunities around modernising and reshaping our day service support offer to improve outcomes for individuals. This could involve developing a more flexible, tiered approach to support people’s aspirations for employment, volunteering, or greater independence, while maintaining structured day care for those who need it.

Shropshire Council is keen to stress that these are only proposals. No decision has been made yet, and any decisions will only be made following consultation.

The proposals are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of in-house day services and to deliver better value for money, with estimated savings of approximately £222,380 per year. Importantly, the council aims to minimise the number of people directly affected, and to provide alternative support wherever possible. A comprehensive assessment of equalities, social inclusion, and health impacts has already been completed and will be updated as the consultation progresses.

Shropshire Council is committed to listening to the community and has written to all day centre users directly affected by the consultation. The wider public, including family members, carers, professionals, and interested residents, are encouraged to share their views through the consultation survey available on the council’s website. All feedback will be carefully considered before any decisions are made.

Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said:

“We know how much day centres mean to people in Shropshire, and we are determined to make sure services meet people’s needs now and in the future. This consultation is a genuine opportunity for everyone to have their say. No decisions have been made, and your feedback will be invaluable in shaping the future of adult day services in our county.”

Anyone who wishes to take part in the consultation or engagement should visit the Shropshire Council Consultation Portal.