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News

Revised Charges For Day Service Transport

Following consultation with users and carers, Borough of Poole is introducing a revised new charge for transport to day services.

The new charge of £3 per day comes into effect on Monday, April 9 2007, and represents a reduction of £2.20 per day on the originally proposed charges for 2007/08.

A letter explaining the new transport charges is being sent by the Council to all day service users and carers. Borough of Poole is also commissioning a review of Social Services transport in response to feedback from users and carers.

The original decision to increase charges was part of a package of measures to enable the Council to maintain its current high standards of care services to people assessed as having moderate, substantial and critical needs. In order to reduce the increase in day service transport charges, the Council has identified a limited number of targeted savings to balance its budget.

Nationally, the majority of local authorities no longer offer services to people with moderate needs. In Poole, Councillors have decided it is important to maintain a broad access to Adult Social Services so users and carers receive practical support when they need it. By offering this level of care service, the Council can help keep more people healthy and less isolated.

There will be no cuts to day services or current staffing levels. In order to meet budget demands, the Council will not be recruiting for existing staff vacancies and the frequency of some therapeutic activities may be amended, leading to a small increase in group sizes for such activities. The cost of providing transport to day services will remain heavily subsidised by Borough of Poole.
  
John Dermody, Head of Adult Social Services Commissioning, Borough of Poole, said: “Having listened to users and carers, we accept that the originally proposed charges would have had a negative impact for some people who use our day services. The Council is keen to see that specialist transport is available for those who need it, but must also ensure that charges are balanced to cover the cost of providing such services. Over the next year, we will be seeking to assess individual user’s needs and eligibility for specialist transport with a view to ensuring the most efficient and effective use of the Council’s transport fleet.”

Ian Turner, Media Relations Officer, Borough of Poole, Tel: 01202 633295