Newton House, the only respite care home in Bath and North East Somerset catering to individuals with the most severe care needs, will remain open until at least September 2026. The council has committed to ensuring that families who rely on this essential service will not experience any breaks in support as it retenders the contract for a replacement provider.
Located on the outskirts of Bath, Newton House offers overnight respite care, allowing full-time carers to take a crucial short break while their loved ones stay in a safe, supportive environment. The service was initially scheduled to close after the current provider, Dimensions, declared it financially unsustainable. Families were informed in November that the closure would occur at the end of January, prompting significant concern and backlash from the community.
In response, Bath and North East Somerset Council announced the extension, with Dimensions agreeing to keep the facility operating through September 2026. Council cabinet member for adult services, Alison Born, emphasized the council’s dedication: “We understand how vital Newton House is to these families. We are committed to maintaining this support while we develop a long-term solution. We appreciate the collaboration with families, carers, and Dimensions during this period, providing some much-needed reassurance.”
READ MORE: Assisted Dying Moves Closer to Legalisation After MPs' Historic Vote
READ MORE: Jailed Crypto Scammer Ordered to Repay £140k Following £5.7 Million Bitcoin Theft
Born also clarified that future respite care services would remain within the local area, prioritizing family needs and ensuring no gaps in care provision during the transition.
A working group inclusive of four family representatives played a key role in the recommendation to extend Dimensions’ contract. Wendy Lucas, whose daughter Rhiannon has benefited from Newton House for ten years, expressed relief at the decision: “This process has helped restore some of the trust that was lost last Christmas.”
Speaking at a council scrutiny panel meeting, Lucas acknowledged the council’s budget responsibilities but stressed the irreplaceable nature of Newton House: “We understand contracts must be retendered, but Newton House must continue operating throughout to avoid any service gaps. Families simply cannot cope with extended interruptions.”
The individuals attending Newton House face extremely high care requirements, often unable to communicate verbally and reliant on constant attention. For many families, the service provides their only opportunity for a full night’s rest or to manage daily tasks.
Parents Derek Greenman and Richard and Julie Franklin, who care for their adult children with profound disabilities, also highlighted the importance of the service. Lucas added that introducing a new provider must be carefully managed, noting the complexities involved in transitioning vulnerable individuals to new environments: “This isn’t a simple switch; behavioural challenges mean it takes time to build trust and adapt.”
Council officers assured that the new provider will be secured months ahead of Newton House’s scheduled closure, allowing ample time for a smooth handover. However, scrutiny committee member Lesley Mansell questioned the need for change, saying, “If the current service is working well, why incur the cost and risk associated with switching providers?”
An update meeting for all families using Newton House is planned for July, with further discussions slated for the scrutiny panel in September. The council remains focused on ensuring continuous, high-quality respite care for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.