This news in from the council. We’ll be taking a deeper look at the paperwork and reporting back later in the week. Ed
A range of measures that could help the Isle of Wight Council make millions of pounds worth of savings to its budget will be discussed by leading councillors next week.
Papers released in advance of next Tuesday’s (14 Sept) cabinet meeting recommend that public consultation takes place on steps to respond both to current pressures on the council’s budget and also to expected reductions in the amount of grant it receives as central government looks to reduce the country’s deficit.
Cabinet will discuss the proposals and then make recommendations to Full Council for final decision at its meeting (Sept 22).
“Difficult but necessary”
IW Council leader David Pugh said the options were difficult, but necessary, in what were challenging times for the country and for local government. He pledged full consultation on the proposals that affect the most vulnerable residents and promised that views expressed would be taken into account during the decision-making process.
The papers also outline how the IW Council will significantly reduce its expenditure in back office functions – with a 30% reduction outlined for council-wide functions in performance and communications. There will also be a reduction in management posts and detailed proposals will be brought forward in December 2010.
“The country and consequently local government is facing economic conditions that are unprecedented in modern times. The council has no option but to face up to that reality and deliver a balanced, sustainable budget that protects services to the most vulnerable. We must use our limited resources to support those with the greatest needs.” Cllr Pugh said.
“This may involve ceasing or amending some initiatives and practices that we were able to provide in more prosperous times but which now – because of the national economic picture – we no longer have the resources to continue. We must also move to further significantly reduce the cost of our administrative and management functions.”
Council to consult on proposed changes
The proposals for consultation include a revision to council’s charging policy for adult social care services so that all people are assessed to contribute on the same basis irrespective of their age, disability or health condition. Proposals for consultation will also include a common approach to assessing people’s financial contributions based on the value of their personal budget rather than the services they are buying with it.
It is also proposed to change the eligibility threshold (in line with FACS (Fair Access to Care Services) criteria) used to determine who the council provides adult social care services to, so that those with the greatest needs are assured of support while those at greatest risk are also provided with targeted support in those areas in which they are most vulnerable.
There is also a proposal to transfer learning disabilities services from TiwchroWestminster House to the Adelaide at Ryde and Gouldings at Freshwater, for which there has already been an extensive review – involving users – of how these services are provided.
Leader’s comment
Cllr Pugh said: “In terms of the steps within community services on which we will be consulting, I am confident that, as an authority judged – by external inspectors – as performing well in adult social care, we could deliver these changes from a position of strength and while maintaining excellent services to those most in need.
“While we recognise that this could involve a number of changes, we also have to acknowledge that our current spend is much higher than that of many other authorities. We need to match the services we provide with the money available, to ensure that our resources are directed to these residents most in need of support.
“We do understand the sensitivities of these issues and, should that be the decision, we will engage with service users throughout the process and support them through any changes that may be agreed in February 2011 following the consultations mentioned in the papers. None of these changes would be implemented before 1st April 2011.”
The proposals to be discussed by cabinet also a range of options with regard to parking permits and looking to merge the Island’s fire control centre with that of another authority, to improve value for money and resilience.
