There are “grave concerns” that some people affected by plans to overhaul short breaks services for disabled adults may not “have their voices heard” during the consultation process.

Bucks County Council (BCC) is currently consulting on plans to transfer residential short breaks services from Seeleys House in Beaconsfield 20 miles away to the Aylesbury Opportunities Centre.

Councillor for Penn Wood and Old Amersham, Isobel Darby, has raised concerns carers have “little time” to spend attending meetings and responding to consultations.

She also fears the changes will also affect those who use the day service at Seeleys House, and called for “all the facts” to  considered before a decision is made.

Cllr Darby said: “The users of both Seeleys House and the Aylesbury Opportunities Centre are few in number and their carers have little time to spend coming to meetings and responding to consultations, as much of their lives are dedicated to providing outstanding care to their loved ones.

“They come from all over the county and many members will have perhaps one or two living in their divisions and be unaware.

“It is therefore important that this decision is not taken without full consideration of all the facts and I ask the cabinet member to give her assurance that the affects on the service as a whole will be seriously considered before taking any decision on the short breaks service.”

Short breaks allow children and adults with disabilities to spend time away from home and develop independence, which allows their primary carers to have a break from caring responsibilities.

If plans are given the green light, BCC is expected to make £4.5 million from the sale of Seeleys House, which will be put into a general funding pot.

The cash-strapped council is working to slash £524,000 from its direct care and support services in the face of over stretched budgets.

Cabinet member for health at wellbeing at BCC, Lin Hazell, assured Cllr Darby there are “no plans” to make any changes to the day service at Seeleys House and agreed it is of “vital importance” the needs of everyone affected are considered.

She added BCC is “making every effort” to ensure people’s “voices are heard” during the consultation.

Cllr Hazell said: “We are making every effort to make it as easy as possible for people to have their voices heard, although I do recognise the challenges on everyone’s time.

“We have consciously revisited and used the engagement and co-production we did with service users and carers on the Orchard House development as the contribution people made at that time is still relevant.

“However, I would also welcome views from other members and any help they can provide in assisting residents to respond to the current consultation.

“At the end of the consultation, a report will be made to me. At that point, I will consider all the evidence available to ensure the decision I make will be the best possible decision for all concerned.”