The Cabinet is set to consider a £3.7 million investment in adult social care services when it meets later today (Thursday).
The Isle of Wight Council’s proposed 2022/23 budget focuses on ensuring that care and support can continue to be provided to people when and where they need it.
Where investment is heading
The spending plans invest in the council’s essential internal care home services and develop housing options for those who find themselves in crisis or homeless.
Despite the difficult financial situation facing local authorities across the UK, the budget provides for an investment of £1.4 million to improve the availability of accommodation for people with learning disabilities who have higher levels of care and support needs.
Refurbishment of care homes
The planned refurbishment at The Adelaide care home, Ryde, and The Gouldings, Freshwater, should start this year having been delayed during the pandemic. This will ensure the premises are upgraded and fit for purpose for the medium and longer term.
Meanwhile, 2022/2023 sees the proposal of a further £100,000 capital investment in Wightcare, the council’s rapid response service for people living in their own homes.
Wightcare services
Wightcare currently provides support for 2,021 people across the Island.
The proposed investment is being made to support the analogue/digital switch over and is the fifth consecutive year of capital investment in the service.
Public health
In public health, the budget will focus spending on the greatest causes of ill-health.
This includes sexual health services and substance misuse and in particular targeting those individuals with the greatest needs.
The council’s mental health work will target those most at risk from poor mental health and wellbeing, working with the voluntary and community sectors.
Love: Doing very best we can with resources we have available
Cllr Karl Love, Cabinet member for adult social care and Public Health, said,
“Over the past 12 months we have maintained services during the pandemic, adapting them as appropriate.
“We are indebted to the council’s staff along with the many volunteers, carers and essential workers who have gone above and beyond to support our Island community.
“We are working hard to ensure that high quality services are available to Island people, but there remain many challenges to overcome.
“Modernising and updating our facilities is essential along with addressing the causes of poverty and health inequalities.
“We are doing the very best we can with the resources we have available in the face of continued government cutbacks and empty promises to fix adult social care.”
The proposed budget will go before Cabinet members tonight (Thursday) and Full Council on 23rd February for a final decision.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
