A petition to save Jutland Place care home in Egham from closure was the primary focus of the meeting. The petition, which garnered 339 signatures, requested Surrey County Council to either provide in situ care for the residents or tender a third party to provide care services. The council discussed the petition and the challenges faced in maintaining Jutland Place as a viable care home.

Petition to Save Jutland Place

A petition with 339 signatures was presented by Sam Jenkins, urging Surrey County Council to prevent the closure of Jutland Place care home in Egham. The petition highlighted the distress caused to six vulnerable residents and their families following Mencap's decision to withdraw care and support services from 9 June 2024. Jenkins criticised the council for failing to secure a new care provider despite credible business cases and the landlord's willingness to cooperate.

Jenkins questioned why residents were shown properties without appropriate planning permission and why concerns raised by families were not adequately addressed. He also expressed frustration over the council's suggestion for families to search for alternative care homes on Rightmove.

Council's Response

Anna Waterman, Head of Commissioning for Disabilities, explained that Mencap's decision was based on financial viability, as they were unable to fill vacancies at Jutland Place. Despite efforts to find a new care provider, no suitable candidates were identified. Waterman noted that Surrey County Council had been working with Mencap and Runnymede District Council for two years to explore future options for Jutland Place.

Waterman confirmed that definitive arrangements had been made for four of the six residents to move to alternative accommodations. The fifth resident was expected to have a resolution soon, while the sixth resident's situation remained unresolved due to a property being refused planning permission.

Council's Ambitions and Plans

John Millerstone, Director of Integrated Commissioning, outlined Surrey County Council's commitment to providing modern, state-of-the-art facilities for vulnerable residents. He referenced the council's Accommodation with Care and Support Strategy aimed at increasing supported independent living and extra care housing by 2030. Millerstone mentioned ongoing projects, including three sites with full planning permission and a short breaks facility under construction.

Future Steps

Councillor Sinead Mooney assured that the council would continue to support the residents and their families through the transition process. She emphasised the importance of finding suitable, long-term accommodations for all residents before the extended closure date of 31 July 2024.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet, the Public reports pack, and the Cabinet Member ASC Response to Petition.