Families who would be affected by the potential closure of a day care service in North Yorkshire have been assured that support would still be provided in their local communities if the plans are approved.
Executive will be asked to consider the plans to shut the Cauwood Day Service in Malton, which provides support for people with learning disabilities including autism as well as physical and sensory needs.
A report to a meeting of the executive on Tuesday next week (4 August) highlights how demand for the centre’s services has fallen significantly in recent years and the support that is being provided is not sustainable in the long-term.
The building which the day service is based in would also need significant investment totalling more than £300,000 within the next two years to maintain safe standards.
Executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “We recognise that Cauwood Day Service is highly valued by people who use the service, their families and carers, particularly for the consistency, stability, trusted relationships and social opportunities it provides.
“A closure of the building currently housing the Cauwood Day Service would only happen once suitable alternative support is in place for everyone who would be affected.
“Individual reviews have already been carried out with the people who use the service, their families and carers to identify suitable alternatives if the proposals are approved by the executive.
“Where needed, tailored support arrangements would be put in place, alongside the development of a new community-based service with a local hub in the Malton area.
“This would ensure any changes are carefully planned, centred around each person's needs, and introduced gradually so that everyone continues to receive the appropriate level of support.”
The report to the executive has outlined that low demand for the service presents a substantial challenge to sustain and maintain a building which is significantly under-utilised.
Based on figures from 2025/26, the cost of delivering the current service is double the market average and is therefore not financially sustainable.
The building is in an out-dated condition and significant investment would be required within the next two years to maintain safe standards. The estimated cost of this investment is £314,000 and would include work on ceilings, walls, windows, doors, electrics and sanitary services.
While there are no specific saving targets linked to the potential closure of Cauwood Day Service, it is recognised that the existing arrangements do not represent good value for money for taxpayers when suitable alternatives can be pursued.
Therefore, while some savings will be anticipated, this cannot be determined until the cost of alternative services are factored in.
If the closure plans are agreed by the executive, then the council would seek to retain Cauwood Day Service’s staff wherever possible. The day service’s team is currently made up of 12 employees and two staff on temporary contracts.
A detailed consultation has already been carried out and included individual discussions with the people who use the service and their families.
Staff working at Cauwood Day Service were able to attend a series of drop-in sessions, with the offer of follow-up one-to-one discussions where requested.
A six-week online consultation was also made available to the public, with respondents asked to identify their connection to the service. The online consultation closed on 17 June and received 143 responses from staff, relatives or carers, people who use the service and residents.
Cllr Harrison added: “The consultation feedback highlights the need to consider whether the outcomes people value can be delivered through a more flexible and sustainable model.
“The current building-based service remains financially and operationally unsustainable and does not align with our strategic approach for more personalised, community-based support.”
If the closure is approved, the current site would be secured and plans are being considered for it to be potentially used for an Extra Care facility.
There is well-documented and clearly evidenced demand for Extra Care housing in Malton, and a number of sites have been identified as suitable for a scheme through detailed work with the council’s property services and potential providers.
The county is seen as a leading light nationally in providing support for people with a wide range of care, support and housing needs through the council’s Extra Care programme.
Extra Care schemes offer both purpose-built housing as well as on-site care workers available around the clock, and some developments also host facilities such as a library, a shop or a café.
The report to the executive can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here.