Budget proposals 2026/27: To cease directly providing Adult Respite in the Community (ARC) services, which will be commissioned from alternative providers

This proposal is part of a wider consultation exercise which will contribute to our annual revenue budget setting process. You can find more information, a link to the other proposal and our 'Balancing our Budget 2026/27' survey here.

Background

West Berkshire Council's Adult Social Care Service currently provides an Adult Respite in the Community Service (ARC).

This service was originally set up to provide a short-term respite service but is being used as a regular service for nine clients that could be supported differently using alternative services.

Legislative and Statutory Requirements

The Care Act 2014 governs what services the council should provide as part of an individual's care package, what services the council doesn't need to provide, and how the council can charge for these services.
 

What we are proposing

To close the Adult Respite in the Community (ARC) Service and offer the nine clients alternative provision that could also meet their needs.

This proposal will save the council £29,040 per year.
 

What we think the impact will be

The nine clients will be offered alternative services that could also meet their needs, so we believe the impact would be minimal.

Please refer to the Equity Impact Assessment for further information to see what has already been identified. [214KB]
 

What else we have considered before arriving at our proposal

The other options we've considered, but discounted are:

• to continue to provide the service, but we would have to find alternative savings from other services which would impact more individuals

Why we want your views

We'd like to know what you think of our proposal, how it might affect you and the wider community, and any suggestions you may have on how we could minimise any potential negative effects, should we proceed. We'll also ask you a little bit about yourself, e.g. if you're a service user or how old you are, but these are optional, and you cannot be identified from your answers.
 

How to take part

If you'd like to comment on our proposal, please complete our survey by midday on Monday, 12 January 2026. It should take about 5 to 10 minutes. 

Complete our survey

If you have any questions about this consultation, please email asc.consultations@westberks.gov.uk.

For general enquiries about our care for adult services, please visit our webpage.
 

What happens next

All feedback will be analysed and a recommendation made as part of the budget papers for 2026/27 at the Executive meeting on Thursday, 12 February 2026. A final decision whether to proceed with the proposal will then be made by elected Members at the meeting of Full Council on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

The recommendations will also be reviewed and discussed by members of the Resources and Place Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.

Meetings of the Executive and Full council are open to the public, as required by law, but you may be excluded from some discussions on confidential matters. If you'd like to ask a question at a meeting, find out what can and can't be asked, and how to submit your question here.