MP expresses concern at day centre closures

Local MP Tim Farron has expressed concern at the news that the Tory-led Cumbria County Council is cutting funding for older people day centres across the South Lakes, undermining the viability of the service.

The council currently block-buys 108 places per week from a service run by Age UK, but in the future will only buy the service on an individual basis.

Speaking this afternoon, Tim said: "The day centres provided by Age UK here in the South Lakes do some fantastic work, and are also really good value for money.

"By taking this action, the county council will remove the financial certainty which enables these day centres to stay open, and as a result today's news that a number of the centres will probably close is not surprising.

"The council could also be its own worst enemy here. Withdrawing from these day centres could save them money in the short-term, but could leave them with a much higher bill in the future if they have to provide more care at home, for example."