BATH and North East Somerset Council have confirmed that respite care facility Newton House will stay open until at least September 2026 until a provider is chosen to offer respite care.

This means that those who care for people with complex needs can continue to rely on the service.

Since the original announcement in November 2024 that Newton House might close, the council, families and care provider Dimensions have paused those plans and worked to find other options.

A group including family representatives has now recommended that Dimensions continue running the service until a new provider is chosen.

Newton House is currently accepting new referrals for people with complex needs, who require this service following a social care assessment of their needs.

It’s the only place in the area that offers overnight respite care for people with complex needs who live with their families.

At a council Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting on June 16, councillors looked at future options.

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.

The report for the June 16 Children Adults Health and Wellbeing Panel meeting can be found on Bath and North East Somerset Council’s website.