March 30, 2026 - 170 views
Concerns have been raised over the future of support for older residents in Conwy after it was confirmed that the county’s Older People’s Forums will no longer receive funding from Conwy County Borough Council, bringing the initiative to an end on 31 March.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy, has written to the council urging leaders to reconsider the decision, warning that the move risks leaving some of the area’s most vulnerable residents without a vital support network.
The forums have long provided a space for older people to come together, share concerns, and feed directly into community development services about the issues affecting their daily lives. They have also played an important social role, helping to tackle isolation by giving people regular opportunities to meet and connect with others in their community.
In her letter, Finch-Saunders described the decision as deeply concerning, arguing that the loss of the forums represents a significant blow to older residents. She said the groups not only give people a voice on matters that affect them, but also serve as a lifeline for those who may otherwise experience loneliness.
She also criticised the timing of the decision, pointing to the wider financial pressures facing households. With council tax expected to rise, she said it was difficult to justify the withdrawal of services that directly support wellbeing and community cohesion.
Calling for urgent action, Finch-Saunders has asked the council to rethink its approach and ensure that, if the forums cannot be maintained, a meaningful and effective alternative is introduced. She stressed that older residents must not be left without a platform to be heard or the support networks many have come to rely on.
The council has yet to publicly respond to the concerns, but the decision is likely to spark further debate about how best to support an ageing population at a time of increasing financial strain on local authorities.
