Newton House, a respite care facility in Bath, is set to stay open until at least September 2026 and until a new provider for the service is chosen, it has been announced.
Newton House on Tanners Walk in Twerton, Bath
The facility, in Twerton, is the only place in the area where people with severe care needs who live with their families can access respite care, a short stay away from home, so their full-time carers can have a break.
The announcement from Bath & North East Somerset Council means families caring for loved ones can continue to rely on the service for at least the next year.
In November 2024, the council and care provider Dimensions, which operates the home, announced that it would be closing as it had become unaffordable.
Since then, the council, families and Dimensions paused their plans and have been working together to find other options.
Following an outcry from parents, the closure was put on hold until the end of January 2026.
Three options of what the council could do were drawn up, and were presented at a council Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting on Monday 16th June.
Families had told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they hoped the council would run the service directly if it did not continue with Dimensions.
One of the major concerns for families was the disruption involved in changing the respite care service.
A group including family representatives has now recommended that Dimensions continue running the service until a new provider is chosen.
Although run by Dimensions, Bath & North East Somerset Council is the sole customer of Newton House.
The council is under a statutory duty to assess and provide for people’s care needs, including providing respite care where required.
Newton House is currently accepting new referrals for people with complex needs, who require this service following a social care assessment of their needs.
Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services, said: “We know how important Newton House is to the families who use it.
“We are committed to keeping that support going while we work on a long-term plan.
“We’re grateful to the families and carers who’ve worked with us, and to Dimensions for agreeing to keep the service running until next September. This gives families some peace of mind.
“I also want to reassure everyone that future respite care will stay within Bath and North East Somerset, and that the needs of families will be at the heart of every decision. There won’t be any gaps in support.”
The council panel will meet again in September to look at the timeline for choosing a new provider.
