A MAJOR shake-up of day care for vulnerable adults is being planned by Wirral social services.

Part of the plans include an innovative business pilot bringing education, training and work opportunities under one pilot scheme which they hope will ultimately become a stand-alone social enterprise.

However, the authority also plans to begin a major consultation on the use of day care centres. Interim director of adult social services (DASS), Howard Cooper, said he wanted to allay fears they were hiding closure plans behind moves to modernise the services on offer, and said: “It’s a myth that we want to shut them, but we do want to make them more fit for purpose.”

A report on the shake-up is due to be presented to Wirral Council’s cabinet when it meets next Thursday.

Cabinet member for social care, Anne McArdle, said she wanted to reassure people “this is not about cutting services or daytime support”, but added: “Some of our centres have been around for a long time and are in need of modernisation – not just the buildings but the services.”

Mr Cooper said they hope, if the plans are approved by the council’s ruling cabinet, that consultation on the future of the 10 day care centres – which provide services to those with physical and learning disabilities, as well as those with mental health needs – will begin in November.