SENIOR councillors are set to make a final decision on the future of six day centres for older people in East Sussex.

The centres, in Bexhill, Crowborough, Hailsham, Lewes and two in Hastings, formed part of an East Sussex County Council review which was subject to a three-month consultation ending in October.

The authority’s adult social care department has to reduce its budget by £27.8 million over the next three years.

The review was aimed at improving value for money while ensuring people eligible for day services continue to receive support, while establishing whether similar services could be better provided by organisations other than the council.

Officers have now presented their recommendations, based on a detailed analysis of usage of the centres, services available from other organisations and responses to the consultation.

The recommended proposals are aimed at ensuring services are protected and residents continue to receive the same level of support at less cost, preventing the need for unnecessary cuts to services to be made.

The cabinet will consider the following proposals at its next meeting on Tuesday (Dec 10).

Charter Centre, Bexhill
The centre to remain open with the council continuing to provide existing services in the short term until a provider from within the voluntary and community sector is confirmed to take over the running of the centre in the long term.

Hookstead Centre, Crowborough
The centre to close but services to be provided at other locations by existing and newly commissioned voluntary, community and independent sector organisations.

Isabel Blackman Centre, Hastings
The centre to remain open with the council continuing to provide existing services in the short term until a provider from within the voluntary and community sector is confirmed to take over the running of the centre in the long term.

Orion Centre, Hailsham
The centre to close but services to be provided at other locations by existing providers from the voluntary, community and independent sector.

Phoenix Centre, Lewes
The centre to remain open with the council continuing to provide existing services in the short term until a provider from within the voluntary and community sector is confirmed to take over the running of the centre in the long term.

Pinehill, Hastings
The centre to close with current services to be provided in the future from within the independent sector.

The full report to cabinet can be found online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/yourcouncil/about/committees/meetings/cabinet.htm