Abrams pauses Central Hill Dementia Day Centre closure in first act as Lambeth leader

Newly elected Lambeth Council leader Cllr Martin Abrams has announced an immediate pause to the planned closure of Central Hill Dementia Day Centre – his first act since taking office.

All closure activity and any voluntary or compulsory redundancy processes have been halted while the council undertakes a detailed review of the proposal and alternative options. The centre remains open and is continuing to accept new referrals.

Abrams said:

“We have listened carefully to the concerns raised by residents, families, staff, trade unions and campaigners.

 

This pause will allow us the time and space needed to properly review the proposal and to assess every available option.”

 

– Cllr Martiin Abrams, Leader of Lambeth Council

Cllr Jeremy Isaacs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “People living with dementia deserve access to high quality, compassionate support within their communities.

I look forward to working closely with residents, staff, health partners and trade unions as we examine how we can provide a service valued by Lambeth residents into the future.”

“The Council will now begin a detailed review of alternative funding arrangements, engaging with staff, trade unions, service users, families and partners.

 

Further updates will be provided as this work progresses.”

 

– Cllr Jeremy Isaacs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care

The closure had been proposed under Claire Holland’s Labour administration and had drawn sustained criticism from unions, staff and families who depend on the facility.

The pause will be welcomed by all concerned, not least the ward’s newly elected Green councillors Pete Elliott and Chloe Hawryluk, who campaigned against the closure in the run-up to the recent local elections.

Background

• A petition launched to keep the service open has over 900 signatures.
• More detail on the proposed closure are on the Unison website.