Public consultation – future of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Community Day Centres

The Council will begin a six-week public consultation where residents can have their say on the future of its Community Day Centres.

In November 2018, Cabinet Members agreed to explore and consult upon alternative delivery models for its Community Day Centres in Gilfach Goch, Williamstown, Gelli and Maerdy – due to their low usage. The consultation will not include Alec Jones Day Centre in Porth, as the Council has consulted upon its future as part of the proposed Porth Regeneration Strategy.

Community Day Centres provide daily activities for people aged 50 and over, and hot meals subsidised by the Council. A report to Cabinet in November 2018 recommended the consultation due to the small number of service users and very low demand for meals – resulting in rising Council costs. It is estimated that over the next five years the buildings will require approximately £500,000 of repairs and maintenance.

The consultation will begin on Monday, January 21, and end on March 4. Residents can have their say by completing an online survey on the Council’s Consultations page, or writing to the address below. There will also be two ‘drop-in’ events at each Centre, where residents can have their say in person:

Teifi House Day Centre, Maerdy

Wednesday, January 30, and Friday, February 8, (12pm-2pm).

Brynnar Jones Day Centre, Gelli

Friday, February 1, and Wednesday, February 6, (12pm-2pm).

Nazareth House Day Centre, Williamstown

Wednesday, February 13, and Friday, March 1, (12pm-2pm).

Gilfach Goch Day Centre

Friday, February 15, and Wednesday, February 27, (12pm-2pm).

Alternative service delivery could include the Community Hub model, or delivery through existing third sector organisations. Cabinet has agreed that any contribution to the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan as part of an alternative model would be used to maintain adult social care services.

Councillor Geraint Hopkins, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services and Welsh Language, said: “Cabinet agreed with the recommendations of an Officer report to consult upon the future of our Community Day Centres. The report outlined low user numbers at each Centre, including very low demand for meals which results in rising Council costs – in one instance, this is nearly £17 per meal.

“This, combined with the estimated half-a-million-pound cost of repair and maintenance across our Community Day Centres, suggests the existing model no longer caters for the needs and expectations of older people in Rhondda Cynon Taf. This is why Cabinet agreed to consult with service users, to see how they can be run more effectively in the future.

“An alternative method of delivery could be in the form of the Community Hub model which Cabinet supported in April 2018, approving their introduction in up to 10 communities in the future. Community Hubs bring together a number of services closely together, with many advantages – more fit-for-purpose buildings, a better public service offer and a more cost-effective approach.

“I would urge residents and regular service users to have their say in the six-week consultation from January 21. It is very important that the Council gains people’s views on the delivery of this service, to shape any future proposals.”

To have your say, visit the Consultations page on the Council’s website from January 21, using the following link: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/consultations. You can also write to the Council free of charge, to FREEPOST, RSBU-HJUK-LSSS, Research & Consultation, The Pavilions, Clydach Vale, CF40 2XX.

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