The Questions at Any Time to Cabinet Portfolio Holders meeting of Powys Council was scheduled to consider questions submitted by Councillor Karl Lewis regarding the closure of the Sylfaen Centre and the proposed blended care model at Maes y Wennol. Councillor Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys, was expected to answer the questions. The questions covered a range of topics, including the rationale for the closure, the suitability of Maes y Wennol, the details of the blended care model, and the impact on current users.

Closure of the Sylfaen Centre and Blended Care at Maes y Wennol

Councillor Karl Lewis submitted a series of questions regarding the closure of the Sylfaen Centre and the proposed blended care model at Maes y Wennol. The questions were directed to Councillor Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys.

Councillor Karl Lewis's questions were divided into six sections:

• General Rationale & Impact: Councillor Karl Lewis asked for the rationale behind the decision to close the Sylfaen Centre, and what alternative provision is in place for its current users. He also asked whether there was a formal consultation with families, carers, and staff before the decision was made, and for a full breakdown of the financial savings expected from this closure, and where these funds will now be allocated. Finally, he asked what steps will be taken to ensure lessons are learned from this process to improve future adult services planning and communication.
• Suitability of Maes y Wennol: Councillor Karl Lewis asked how the Maes y Wennol Day Centre has been assessed for its suitability to support the complex needs of young people currently attending Sylfaen. He also asked whether Maes y Wennol is currently equipped with appropriate facilities to replace Sylfaen's provision, and what adaptations, if any, are being made to Maes y Wennol to prepare for these service users. He highlighted that the toilets for the Maes y Wennol day centre are located in Maes y Wennol Care Home which forms part of the same building, and that Maes y Wennol was designed primarily for elderly people with mobility challenges and degenerative conditions. He questioned how the needs of a 19-year-old from Sylfaen with complex behavioural challenges would be managed safely and appropriately alongside a frail elderly person with advanced sight loss or dementia.
• Blended Care Model: Councillor Karl Lewis asked what the proposed blended care model specifically entails, and how it will meet the individualised support plans of each service user. He also asked how continuity of care and relationships with key workers will be maintained under the blended care model, and whether blended care will involve time spent at home and if so, how families will be supported to manage this increased demand.
• Impact on Current Users (Elderly and Young): Councillor Karl Lewis asked what engagement has taken place with current users and families at Maes y Wennol to assess the impact of integrating new service users with higher or different needs. He also asked whether a formal Equality Impact Assessment has been completed regarding the shift from Sylfaen to a blended model at Maes y Wennol, and if so, whether it will be published.
• Safeguarding & Transitions: Councillor Karl Lewis asked what safeguarding risk assessments have been conducted on the proposed blending of young adults with challenging behaviour and older adults with complex physical and cognitive decline. He also asked how staff at Maes y Wennol will be trained to simultaneously support both frail elderly people and young adults with challenging behaviour, autism, or learning disabilities, and how the council will ensure safe transitions for young people with behavioural challenges or autism who may struggle with change and unfamiliar environments. Finally, he asked whether a clear transition plan has been shared with Sylfaen families, including trial visits, named workers, and key transition dates.
• Access and Exclusion: Councillor Karl Lewis stated his understanding that some older people who currently attend the Sylfaen Centre — particularly those living in Llanidloes, Trefeglwys, and Carno — will not be able to access the proposed provision at Maes y Wennol. He asked what alternative provision is being offered to these individuals to meet their assessed care needs. He also asked whether a travel impact assessment was carried out to understand how closure of Sylfaen affects rural and isolated service users, and how this will be mitigated, and whether the council will fund transport or outreach alternatives for those now left without access to a day service.