IN its redesign of the respite service for children with disabilities and their families, Hampshire County Council has confirmed that the current quality and level of respite care available will be maintained, after a decision was made to close its two residential respite homes – Merrydale in Winchester and Sunbeams in Aldershot.

According to the county council, it is able to commission an equivalent residential respite service without incurring the year-on-year maintenance and operating costs associated with keeping the homes open. This will also mean that the authority can invest in providing a wider choice of options – offering families greater variety and flexibility in the type of respite support available to them.

In agreeing to close the homes, Keith Mans, the county council’s executive lead member for Children’s Services, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has provided us with their views on the proposals to close the two homes. Please be assured that I have given the outcome of the public consultation thorough consideration. However, on balance, I believe that the children and families needing respite care should receive the best possible support that we can offer, within the funding that is available. There are substantial costs associated with keeping these buildings and facilities up to standard and fit for purpose, and it is my view that this money can be put to better use.”