Anne Main MP has called on the authorities to fully fund the respite centre that serves St Albans families until a ‘constructive solution’ has been found. 

 

Herts Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) who previously announced that they were to cease funding to Nascot Lawn Respite Service have now said that they will make a decision on future funding by November 2. 

 

In a letter co-signed by 5 Hertfordshire MPs to the CCG, they say that one of their, 

‘many concerns with this closure is that the engagement process does not allow reasonable time to work on a constructive solution. Parents have not been given enough time to prepare a business case for the ‘blended funding solution’.’ 

 

The MPs went on to say that it was ‘crucial’ that  Herts Community Trust and the CCG continue to, ‘ensure that Nascot Lawn remains a fully funded and delivered service until the 31st January 2018,’  when decisions were being made and solutions were being sought.  The MPs feared that there have already been numerous staff losses due to uncertainty, which has impacted the service.   

 

Mrs Main said that whilst she was pleased that the CCG are reconsidering, one of her main concerns is how the uncertainty is affecting current levels of service.  ‘I have had parents come to me explaining how the temporary provision for respite means that they are getting less care than was previously expected. 

 

‘Whilst the CCG have explained their position, I have written to Herts County Council in the last week asking them to look into the individual cases of those affected.’