MENTAL health day-care in Brent is to be overhauled under council and NHS proposals that will close the last remaining day-care centre and cost 23 jobs.

Councillors are consulting on the plans to close the Community Networks service, which they say are part of a national initiative to move towards letting users of the service have more say in their own care.

But it will lead to 23 job losses and the closure of Kingsbury Manor day-care centre, in Roe Green Park, which provides learning support and group activities for around 60 people.

Alison Elliott, assistant director of community care, said: “Three years ago Brent moved away from a building-based service – there is only one centre left.

“In future, when people are eligible for council support they can choose to receive a personal budget. Their personal plans would be reviewed regularly to make sure that they get everything they need to take part in the local community and enjoy a better quality of life. It is their decision what type of care to buy using the personal budget.”

The Community Networks day care service, which is a partnership between Brent Council and NHS Brent, employs 23 workers who provide day care to 150 people across the borough.

Although admitting all 23 jobs will go, Ms Elliott said the council would try to redeploy staff in other jobs such as two new community development workers being created as part of the transformation.

A new specialist service would be located at a centre in Brondesbury Road, with staff going out to deliver support from other parts Brent that are easily accessible.

The changes will save Brent £1.25 million but costs could increase because people will be given a budget to buy their choice of services.

Consultation will start on February 21 and last for 12 weeks, before the final decision is taken by the council's cabinet.

Ms Elliott added: “We will make sure that we consult properly by using advocacy support workers that take care of people, but on the whole our service users are very articulate and I'm sure they will tell us what they think