Call for Reassurance on Future of Adult Day Service Facilities
Opposition raises alarm over Michael Flanders and Cowgate Centres
Councillor Andrew Steed outside the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton
February 6, 2025
The Liberal Democrat opposition on Ealing Council is raising concerns about the future of two adult day care services in the borough.
Cllr Andrew Steed, the party’s spokesperson on adult services, questioned the Labour administrations portfolio holder at a council meeting in December 2024 about the future of the Michael Flanders Resource Centre in Acton and the Cowgate Adult Day Centre in Greenford.
He was unable to get a categorical assurance that there were no plans to close either of them.
A limited consultation has been held on both centres in which just family members of centre users and staff participated. The stated position is that users are being consulted not with a view to closure but to learn ways to improve the council’s offer.
However, the consultation documents do discuss the potential for relocation through “viability of alternative sites and hubs.”
Cllr Steed is worried about the possibility of a sudden withdrawal of the facilities in a similar way to the announcement of the closure of the Careline Service last year.
He said, “Ealing Liberal Democrats are very concerned that the Michael Flanders Centre will become victim of Labour's plans to regenerate Acton. It uniquely caters for dementia sufferers across the borough which is a growing population. The accessible single storey site is large and in an attractive position. Could the site be re-developed and the service temporarily moved, to return once the new build is complete? This is not much help to the users of this essential and important facility. Users with dementia often rely on familiarity of location and people, as well as security of location to enhance their quality of life. Liberal Democrats are standing up for users of important centres like these and will fight if Labour try to close them.”
The Michael Flanders Centre on Church Street operates as a local authority day centre, providing support for individuals aged 55 and older who have been diagnosed with dementia, including those with physical disabilities. The centre offers a variety of activities tailored to individual needs, aiming to help older adults remain living in their own homes.
The Cowgate Day Centre is a council-run day service for adults with severe and complex learning disabilities and challenging needs.
An Ealing Council spokesperson said, “Ealing Council is committed to providing the best possible support for adults in the borough, helping them live independent, fulfilling lives with choice and control over their care and the Better Days Project marks a major step towards this goal.
“As part of this project we're working really closely with residents who visit the day centres, and their families, to learn what they would like to be doing with their time, ensuring we’re providing people with what they need.
“We have ambitious plans to offer a far broader range of activities and opportunities so people can develop life skills and pursue their interests as well as be active members of their communities.
“We’re optimistic about the future and confident that by designing these services, alongside residents, we’ll create even better opportunities for everyone.
“There are no plans to close any adult day care services and any changes will be carefully considered by the council’s cabinet. A list of frequently asked questions about the Better Days Project can be found on our website here Better Days Project FAQs.”
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