Statement from the Chief Executive about Adult Social Care Services

Wakefield Council is aware of totally inaccurate and wholly misleading posts on social media about plans for local Adult Social Care services this Christmas.

There is no proposal to close Adult Social Care services over Christmas and New Year. Essential services will continue to operate throughout the holiday period – in the same way they have done in previous years – with appropriate staffing arrangements in place for residents who need support.

Selectively misrepresenting information to mislead people about what the Council is doing causes unnecessary concern to our residents, families, and carers who rely on these critical services.

It’s an important part of our democratic system that decisions are scrutinised, and decision-makers are held to account. But it’s not acceptable when people promote disinformation which causes unnecessary worry for some of our district’s most vulnerable residents. That is entirely wrong, and I’d ask everyone involved to carefully reflect on the harm inaccurate posts can cause.

For the avoidance of any doubt, services supporting hospital discharge, safeguarding, mental health, occupational therapy, and social care provision will continue to operate over the festive period through established arrangements, as they do every year. Social Care Direct will also continue to provide a 24-hour service throughout the holiday period.

The Council will maintain the strongest possible commitment to supporting our district's most vulnerable residents this Christmas.

Tony Reeves, 

Chief Executive