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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED: (i) That the SCWSC note the updated position of the proposed relocation of the Day Services, including the development of a revised co-location model at the Acton Resource Centre following strong community and Local Member feedback, which included a petition from over 700 local residents initiated and carried out by Councillor Corin Jarvis, in support of retaining community use of the Acton Resource Centre. With the development of an extension and the intention to progress a phased approach that enables the relocation of the Day Services whilst creating dedicated space for community groups to return prior to any demolition of the Cunliffe Centre. (ii) That the SCWSC supports the continuation and improved structured engagement programme with local Members, community groups, families who access the Cunliffe Centre, carers and staff to shape the design, layout and operational model of the revised proposal, and notes that a further report will be presented to the Executive Board when the following have been completed: detailed plans for the extension to the Acton Resource Centre have been agreed with local Elected Members; the views of users of the Centre have been submitted; planning permission has been approved; funding is in place to carry out all the works; and an acceptable model of joint running of the Resource Centre is in place. The report will be presented to the Executive Board seeking approval for the relocation asset transfer, with ongoing and regular engagement. (iii) That the SCWSC receives regular reports on the progress of this project, at the discretion of the Chair and Vice Chair of the SCWSC, in conjunction with the relevant Senior Officers and Lead Members.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Malcolm King OBE and Jeremy Newton.
RESOLVED: - Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 May be signed as a correct record.
There were no declarations of interest.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: (i) That the SCWSC note the updated position of the proposed relocation of the Day Services, including the development of a revised co-location model at the Acton Resource Centre following strong community and Local Member feedback, which included a petition from over 700 local residents initiated and carried out by Councillor Corin Jarvis, in support of retaining community use of the Acton Resource Centre. With the development of an extension and the intention to progress a phased approach that enables the relocation of the Day Services whilst creating dedicated space for community groups to return prior to any demolition of the Cunliffe Centre. (ii) That the SCWSC supports the continuation and improved structured engagement programme with local Members, community groups, families who access the Cunliffe Centre, carers and staff to shape the design, layout and operational model of the revised proposal, and notes that a further report will be presented to the Executive Board when the following have been completed: detailed plans for the extension to the Acton Resource Centre have been agreed with local Elected Members; the views of users of the Centre have been submitted; planning permission has been approved; funding is in place to carry out all the works; and an acceptable model of joint running of the Resource Centre is in place. The report will be presented to the Executive Board seeking approval for the relocation asset transfer, with ongoing and regular engagement. (iii) That the SCWSC receives regular reports on the progress of this project, at the discretion of the Chair and Vice Chair of the SCWSC, in conjunction with the relevant Senior Officers and Lead Members.
The Chief Officer for Social Care submitted a report (COSC/29/26) outlining the updated position on the proposed relocation of Day Services following consideration by the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee. The Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing introduced the report, advising that the relocation of the Cunliffe Day Service was necessary to better meet the needs of adults with complex disabilities and to enable redevelopment of the existing site for social housing. An options appraisal had identified Acton Resource Centre as the preferred location due to its suitability, cost effectiveness, and potential to support a more integrated model of care alongside education and health partners. Engagement undertaken during March and April 2026 highlighted significant concerns from local members, residents and community groups regarding the potential loss of valued community provision at Acton. In response, the proposal had been paused to allow officers to explore a revised approach, including the feasibility of extending the building. Initial feasibility work indicated that an extension was achievable, subject to planning approval and additional funding, and could support a phased approach to relocation while enabling community use to be retained. A structured programme of engagement with members, community groups, families, carers and staff was being developed to inform the design, layout and operational model. A further report was scheduled for Executive Board in July to seek approval to progress the revised proposal, including the phased delivery and potential transfer of the site to social care. The following was discussed: - · Members raised several concerns relating to feasibility, costs, specialist requirements, and the sequencing of design, planning and relocation. · Questions were asked about the extent of consultation with service users and carers, and some members expressed dissatisfaction regarding earlier communication, transparency and clarity around the intended use of the Acton Resource Centre. · It was clarified that £750,000 had previously been approved within the capital programme to support the relocation of services, based on an outline design for refurbishing Acton Resource Centre to meet the needs of day service users. This included consideration of specialist facilities and space requirements. · It was noted that the proposed extension to enable wider community use remained at an early stage, with further design work, engagement and cost development required. · Whilst officers confirmed that initial specifications had been informed by user needs, members expressed concern that funding appeared to have been agreed ahead of a fully developed design, limiting their ability to effectively scrutinise the proposal. · Members highlighted a lack of detailed information on how co-location would operate in practice, the current use of the Acton facility, and how different user groups would be accommodated. · Further concerns related to the pace of decision-making, the limited clarity on how previous review recommendations had informed the proposal, and the absence of clear contingency arrangements should the proposed extension not proceed. · Although there was general support in principle for a co-location model, members emphasised the need for more detailed plans, a comprehensive impact assessment, and stronger assurances that the needs of both service users and the local community would be fully addressed. · The timing of the proposed decision was discussed, with it noted that a report would be presented to Executive Board in July to enable the use of previously approved capital funding and to support wider regeneration activity, including housing development and site clearance. · Members recognised these constraints but questioned whether sufficient detail would be available in advance to enable meaningful scrutiny. · Concerns were also raised regarding previous funding intentions for the site, community expectations, and the need for greater transparency around earlier decisions. Members acknowledged that communication had improved in recent months, including regular engagement meetings and planned site visits, and welcomed the continued engagement with stakeholders. · However, it was emphasised that both phases of the project relocation and community provision should align to provide assurance that a co-location model would be delivered. · Alternative options, including the development of a purpose-built facility, were discussed. It was confirmed that although this had been explored previously, no external funding had been secured and the costs would significantly exceed the resources available. · Officers provided assurance that the proposed design for relocation had been developed with specialist input, including occupational therapy, and in consultation with service users and families, with a focus on accessibility and future proofing. · Members also discussed longer-term sustainability, including ongoing maintenance costs and the potential role of community funding, emphasising the need for clear agreements and continued stakeholder involvement. · Whilst recognising the potential benefits of the proposal, members highlighted the importance of transparency, delivery certainty, and maintaining community confidence. · The Committee noted the updated position and agreed that further progress should be supported by continued engagement, clearer detail and appropriate approvals. · Members requested that regular updates be provided as the project progressed. AGREED: (i) That the SCWSC note the updated position of the proposed relocation of the Day Services, including the development of a revised co-location model at the Acton Resource Centre following strong community and Local Member feedback, which included a petition from over 700 local residents initiated and carried out by Councillor Corin Jarvis, in support of retaining community use of the Acton Resource Centre. With the development of an extension and the intention to progress a phased approach that enables the relocation of the Day Services whilst creating dedicated space for community groups to return prior to any demolition of the Cunliffe Centre. (ii) That the SCWSC supports the continuation and improved structured engagement programme with local Members, community groups, families who access the Cunliffe Centre, carers and staff to shape the design, layout and operational model of the revised proposal, and notes that a further report will be presented to the Executive Board when the following have been completed: detailed plans for the extension to the Acton Resource Centre have been agreed with local Elected Members; the views of users of the Centre have been submitted; planning permission has been approved; funding is in place to carry out all the works; and an acceptable model of joint running of the Resource Centre is in place. The report will be presented to the Executive Board seeking approval for the relocation asset transfer, with ongoing and regular engagement. (iii) That the SCWSC receives regular reports on the progress of this project, at the discretion of the Chair and Vice Chair of the SCWSC, in conjunction with the relevant Senior Officers and Lead Members.
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