Decision

Due to the increase in running costs, the service is financially unsustainable and as there is existing provision for mobility aid hire in Widnes, this was seen as a duplication.
An urgent decision is required as the move from the site needs to take place by 1st October.
The Runcorn site is also financially unstable so an increase in the cost of mobility aid hire is required to ensure that the service remains viable in the future.

Reasons for the decision

Consideration was given to closing both sites as the service is not statutory however, as there is currently no alternative provision in Runcorn, this was not deemed to be a viable option at this point. The service will be reviewed in 12 months time to ascertain the future financial viability.

Alternative options considered

Consideration was given to closing both sites as the service is not statutory however, as there is currently no alternative provision in Runcorn, this was not deemed to be a viable option at this point. The service will be reviewed in 12 months time to ascertain the future financial viability.