We are asking local people to share their views on the future of our telecare service, Careline.
Service users, their families and carers, along with residents and local partner organisations, are being invited to have their say in a public consultation, which runs until 22 April 2026.
Chesterfield Borough Council took over funding for the service in April 2024 after Derbyshire County Council withdrew its support for 24/7 falls provision. The council took the decision on the basis that the service would cover its own running costs – and not add further strain to the council’s budget position
However, despite the commitment of staff, careful financial management, and ongoing efforts to reduce costs and increase income, Careline has not been able to secure the customer volumes required for financial sustainability.
We now have a responsibility to consult openly on what the future of the service may look like.
As part of this, we are exploring three possible options for the future of Careline:
- increasing charges so the service can cover its running costs
- finding a new way of delivering the service, potentially with partners or through a different model
- closing the service, with tailored support to help people move safely to another provider
No decisions have been made, we want to listen carefully to the people who use the service and their families, as well our partners and members of the public, about how any potential changes may affect them.
No matter what the outcome of this consultation, protecting vulnerable people remains our top priority. If the service was to close or change, we will provide personalised support to help people transition safely to alternative provision.
How to take part in the consultation
The easiest way to take send us your views is to fill in our online questionnaire:
Other ways to have your say
Speak with an officer - we’ll be contacting customers directly, and can help you complete the survey in your home, or over the phone.
Visit one of our drop-in sessions - come along to talk to us and share your views:
- Friday 20 March 2026 - from 10am to 3pm at Chesterfield Town Hall
- Tuesday 31 March 2026 - from 10am to 3pm at Chesterfield Town Hall
Fill in a paper copy of our questionnaire - email linda.white@chesterfield.gov.uk to ask us to send one to you.
Got a question?
If you have a question about the consultation process, or the Careline service, please contact:
- Linda White, Customer Services Manager - email linda.white@chesterfield.gov.uk
- Rachel O’Neil, Director – Digital, HR and Customer Services - email rachel.oneil@chesterfield.gov.uk