Hertfordshire County Council has decided not to change the opening times of its adult day services. It has also dropped the plan to share adult care vehicles with school runs, so the day centre day itself should look the same. What is still being settled is how day services in Hertfordshire arrange transport.
To talk anything through with someone local, our St Albans team is on 01727 324 127.
This guide sets out what was proposed, what has been decided and where to ask. It then looks at the other days of the week, when the caring falls back on the family. For the wider picture, our guide to respite care in Hertfordshire covers breaks in more depth.
What did the council propose for day services?
From 19 March to 17 May 2026, the county council consulted on day service hours and transport. The plan was to open from 9.30am to 4.30pm. About 900 people a week use the services affected. In practice, the same vehicles could then take children with special educational needs to school first.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service report of 28 July 2026 noted a knock-on effect too. People who travel to a day service on their own could not have arrived before 9.30am.
What has Hertfordshire County Council decided?
At full council on 21 July 2026, Cllr Sally Symington said the opening hours would not change. She is the executive member for adult social care, and she later confirmed this in a statement. So families can expect the same start and finish times.
Councillors later heard that the school drop-off plan had not gone ahead. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported on 24 September 2026 that Jo Fisher, executive director of children's services and education, gave the reason. She said it was "because of the potential impact on both adults and their carers and the significant concerns they raised about the proposals." Officers are still looking at whether limited spare capacity could help with some school transport.
What about transport to day centres?
The savings are now expected to come from changing how transport is provided.
If you are unsure how your relative's transport will work, call adult care services on 0300 123 4042. The line is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Why opening times matter so much to families
A day centre day often holds the whole week together. For someone living with dementia, the same pick-up time and familiar faces help the day make sense. Also, for a working son or daughter, those hours decide whether work is possible.
Families often plan the morning around them: the wash, breakfast, medication prompts and the coat by the door. So even half an hour can unsettle everyone. That is why many families will be relieved the times are staying put.
Who can use day services in Hertfordshire?
The council says its day services in Hertfordshire are for older people and adults with disabilities, mental health problems or dementia. It lists services by town, including St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Hemel Hempstead. Other organisations run day services too, listed on the Hertfordshire Directory.
A council place usually follows an assessment of the person who needs support. Depending on that assessment, you may pay towards the cost.
What helps on the days without a day centre?
Most people attend on some days, not all. So the real question is what happens on the others. There are three practical places to start.
- Free short breaks for carers. The council funds up to 12 hours of support, in sessions of two to three hours. These are free. Care By Us provides them in most of the county. Crossroads Caring for Life covers North Herts and Stevenage.
- A carer's assessment. This looks at what you need to keep caring. It is also how regular breaks are arranged.
- Carers in Herts. The county carers' charity gives free, independent advice on 01992 58 69 69.
The council's page on taking a break from caring sets out each route. For longer cover, a sitting service in Hertfordshire can give you an afternoon of your own.
How care at home fits around day services in Hertfordshire
Visiting care can sit alongside a day centre rather than replace it. For example, a carer can help with washing, dressing and breakfast before pick-up. Then someone can be home when transport drops them back. The late afternoon after a busy day is often the tired part.
On the other days, visits can bring company, a cooked lunch or a walk to the shops. Our respite care service can be used this way, as a regular, protected break.
Frequently asked questions
Are day centre opening times changing in Hertfordshire?
No. The proposal to open from 9.30am to 4.30pm was dropped after the consultation. The council confirmed in July 2026 that hours would stay as they are.
Will my relative's day centre transport change?
Possibly, in how it is run. The council is changing how it provides transport to make savings, and the detail is still being finalised. Adult care services can tell you what applies to your relative.
Can I get help on days when there is no day centre?
Yes. Unpaid carers can apply for free short breaks, and a carer's assessment can lead to regular ones. Many families also arrange visiting care for the days in between.
Do I have to pay for a council day service?
It depends on the assessment of the person you care for. Some people pay towards the cost and some do not. The adult care team can explain how the charge is worked out.
Starling Homecare is a family run, CQC registered home care provider based in St Albans. We provide visiting care across St Albans, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Hatfield and Potters Bar, and live-in care across Hertfordshire. When someone already goes to a day centre, we can plan visits around those days so the week stays steady.
Figures and guidance checked on 25 October 2026 against the Local Democracy Reporting Service and Hertfordshire County Council.
Arranging Care Is Simple
Starting care can feel like a big step. We keep it calm and straightforward, and we are here to guide you from your very first call.
1. Talk to us
Get in touch by phone or request a callback. We will listen, answer your questions and help you understand the options, so you can decide what feels right in your own time.
2. A home visit and initial consultation
We arrange a visit to understand your routines, your home and what matters most to you. Together we agree an initial consultation and shape the support that feels right.
3. Your care begins
A small, familiar team starts your care, arriving at the agreed times and staying involved as your needs change. We remain your trusted adviser throughout.
Whenever you are ready, we are here to help.