Ealing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Liberal Democrats have condemned Ealing Council’s proposed closure of Acton’s Michael Flanders Centre, citing community impact and lack of transparency.
As reported by Ealing News, the labour-run Ealing Council plans to close and sell the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton, a community resource that supports people with dementia and complex needs, have drawn criticism from the Ealing Liberal Democrats.
Opposition council members have criticized the decision, which was announced on April 18, 2025, saying there was little time for public discussion and examination.
Adults’ Services Lib Dem spokesperson Councillor Andrew Steed criticized what he called a “opaque process” that kept council members and citizens out of important decision-making.
He said:
“Liberal Democrats are appalled that Ealing Labour have agreed to sell off the Michael Flanders Centre in Acton and in such a way to prevent any scrutiny or discussion of this decision.
Users with dementia often rely on familiarity of location and people, as well as security of location to enhance their quality of life.”
Councillor Steed expressed rising concerns about service provision as demand rises and warned that other locations, such as the Cowgate Centre in Greenford and many children’s facilities throughout the borough, may also be in danger.
He said:
“Ealing Liberal Democrats are standing up for users of important centres like these, at a time when the demand for these services are increasing Ealing Labour are reducing them.”
Additionally, the Liberal Democrats have questioned whether services from the Michael Flanders Centre could be moved to privately owned establishments that are administered under Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreements, including Sycamore Lodge in Acton or Elm Lodge in Greenford.
The Liberal Democrats place a strong emphasis on helping carers and making sure that any modifications to service delivery don’t interfere with the essential support systems for the elderly and disabled.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said:
“The decision to expand adult day centre services – including those at Michael Flanders and Cowgate Day Centre – into an improved four-site model was made following a council-led engagement process involving more than 200 residents.
This included service users, carers, and their families, whose feedback played a key role in shaping the proposals. Staff working in adult day centres also participated in the engagement and have been involved throughout the process.”
He added that the decision was guided by what participants said mattered most: shorter travel times, more diverse activities, and services tailored to individual needs and interests.
The new offer will include longer opening hours – including weekends – providing greater flexibility and support for carers and families. Service users will have more choice in selecting activities that match their needs, interests, and aspirations, with increased opportunities to engage in their local community.
More information about the future of adult day centre services is available on the Around Ealing website.
The Michael Flanders centre forms part of the Acton Gardens regeneration scheme.
The decision to assign this building to the regeneration scheme was taken in 2018 after a public consultation and details of the regeneration scheme can also be found on the Acton Gardens website.
The council will follow procedures and publish any decision made in line with the constitution.
What are the main arguments the Lib Dems are using against the closure plans in Ealing?
The Liberal Democrats strongly support preserving and enhancing day services and care facilities rather than shutting them, and they support universal free personal care for the aged and disabled.
The party opposes cuts or closures that would deny vulnerable populations access to vital services since they are based on principles like equality, community, and human rights.
The Labour-run Ealing Council’s proposals are criticized by the Liberal Democrats for possibly compromising the standard and accessibility of day opportunities.
They contend that closing or selling community assets like the Michael Flanders Centre could have a negative impact on the local population, who depend on these services.
They criticize decisions that seem hurried or lack appropriate engagement and want real community consultation.