Adult day centre closures back on the agenda as care partnership asks for views on proposed cuts

Controversial plans to close adult day centres are back on the table as part of a proposed cull of services for people with learning disabilities and autism.

- EDEL KENEALY

Cuts to and the complete closure of eight services have been put forward by Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) as it seeks to fill a funding gap of £18.5m for the 2026/27 financial year.

Six out of the eight areas identified for savings affect those with additional support needs.

Documents, published on Tuesday as part of a consultation, suggest day services for people with learning and physical disabilities be merged.

If approved, it would see three hubs created across the local authority area at the On-X in Linwood, the Anchor Centre in Paisley and Spinners Gate, also in Paisley.

The Disability Resource Centre - which currently caters to people with physical disabilities - would close alongside the Mirin Day Centre at the Lagoon in Paisley and Patons Day Centre in Johnstone.

Crucially, the proposals again suggest people with learning disabilities and autism change centres a proposal carers fought and won in 2024 when it was suggested that Milldale Day Centre at the On-X be closed.

This time, however, it is also suggested that people may attend less often while those living in supported accommodation may no longer be allowed to attend at all.

If approved by the Integrated Joint Board (IJB) - the board which oversees Renfrewshire HSCP - the proposals would save £1,081m.

People with learning disabilities and their families could also be impacted by a proposal to reduce respite provision at Weavers Linn.