The Humble Petition of the residents of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas,
Sheweth,
That the Petitioners believe that the proposed closure of Glamis Hall in Wellingborough is unacceptable because there are no other day care facilities for the elderly in Wellingborough; further that the Petitioners believe that for many of the 180 elderly people who attend the day centre it is their only opportunity to socialise, and provides an excellent service, including transport to/from the centre, bathing, podiatry and hair dressing services; and further that the Petitioners believe that it provides a social atmosphere for some of our most vulnerable people, as well as providing recreation bookings and sports changing rooms in the evenings and weekends.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House urges the Department for Communities and Local Government to encourage Northamptonshire County Council and the Borough Council of Wellingborough to work together to ensure Glamis Hall is kept open until the end of November 2015, while working with the community in the interim period to find a permanent solution which is satisfactory to all.
And your Petitioners, as duty bound, will ever pray, &c.—[Presented by Mr Peter Bone, Official Report, 10 September 2014; Vol. 585, c. 1049.]
[P001385]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Department of Health:
The Department of Health is responsible for legislation governing the quality and safety of social care services in England. Local authorities are responsible for commissioning social care services. They are autonomous public bodies and it is for the local authority concerned to decide how best to meet the need for social services in its area. It would not be appropriate for Government Ministers to intervene in such matters, provided of course that local authorities are acting lawfully.
Ministers do appreciate how important it is for older people, especially those who may be at risk of becoming isolated, to be able to socialise and use and enjoy the services and facilities provided at services such as the one referred to. The Government expect local authorities to promote the well-being of all residents in their areas.