Cabinet to consider proposals for modernising directly provided adult social care services in West Northamptonshire
03 November 2026
A report setting out future proposals for West Northamptonshire Council’s directly provided adult social care services will be considered by Cabinet next week.
The Council is currently reviewing the services it runs inhouse for adults, including day services, specialist support services for younger adults with disabilities, and its two care homes at Obelisk House and Southfields House.
The proposals, which will be considered by the Council Cabinet at its meeting next week (Tuesday, 10 November) follow a 12-week consultation with people who use services, families, carers, staff, and partner organisations.
They seek to focus council expertise on supporting residents with the most complex needs, enhance independence and enablement services, and ensure resources and buildings are used as effectively as possible to meet future demand.
Cabinet will consider recommendations to reshape day services to ensure there is greater focus on supporting people with the highest and most complex needs, while strengthening opportunities for independence, enablement and participation in local communities.
The proposals place a greater emphasis on helping people develop life skills, build confidence and increase their independence through support within their local communities, while continuing to provide the safe, flexible and person-centred support that people value and which adapts to their changing needs.
The specialist support services for younger adults with disabilities provides registered domiciliary care for younger adults aged 18-65 with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health needs.
Eleanor Lodge does not reflect modern standards for supported living, with the building having limited accessibility, relying on shared facilities and unable to be extended. Bringing the property up to modern standards would require significant investment and result in prolonged disruption for people who use the service.
Based on these issues, Cabinet will consider a proposal for the Council to close Eleanor Lodge and support people to move into alternative supported living or community-based arrangements that offer greater independence, choice and personalised care.
Southfields House and Obelisk House provide residential and dementia care for older people and adults with physical disabilities and complex support needs.
Both buildings are more than 40 years old and no longer meet modern standards for care environments.
Bringing the buildings up to modern standards would require significant investment and major refurbishment works, causing disruption to residents and reducing bed capacity.
Cabinet will consider a proposal to close both homes over a period of up to 24 months. Residents would be supported throughout the process to identify suitable alternative accommodation that meets their assessed needs.
No resident would be asked to move until a full reassessment has been completed and an appropriate alternative placement has been agreed with them and their family or representatives.
Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “The demand for adult social care has changed, and shows a continued increase in the need for specialist support. We also have an increasing focus on helping people live more independently through personalised, community-based care.
“These proposals follow a thorough review of our services and extensive consultation with people who use them, their families, carers and staff. They aim to ensure support continues to meet people’s needs, promotes independence and makes best use of our resources for the future.
“We recognise these recommendations will be difficult for some people and Cabinet will consider them carefully and sensitively.”