Statement regarding the closure of Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning (SCILL).

Councillor Simon Wales, Sutton Council’s Lead Member for Finance, Assets and the Voluntary Sector, said: “Everybody at Sutton Council is sorry and saddened to hear that the trustees of SCILL have decided to cease operating next year. The Centre is valued by very many in the community and has made a recognisable difference to local individuals and families. I want to put on record the council’s thanks to everybody at SCILL for their hard work and dedication to Sutton’s residents over the last 21 years.

“The council has always offered SCILL support, most recently with efforts to keep the Centre open. Ultimately we respect the decision of the trustees and the council will now support the orderly closure of the centre next year.

“Our focus has always been how we support all SCILL’s clients, particularly the most vulnerable. Our immediate attention now turns to exploring all options available to secure the future of services on which residents depend.

“We understand this decision may be upsetting for residents and staff, so I want to reassure everyone that we are doing all we can, as quickly as possible, to ensure these essential services provided by SCILL remain available to the community in the borough. We will keep everybody informed of developments and share more information as soon as it is possible.”