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News

Funding Crisis for Social Services

Poole has joined forces with other Councils from the local region to campaign for better funding from the Government across the South West.

The £70 million gap in funding for care in the South West was discussed last week at a special meeting and the warning given that this will push services for children, the elderly and those with special needs, to breaking point.

The worst funded region in the country, the South West receives £115 (17%) less than the national average per person over 65, and £45 (26%) less than national average per person under 17. Figures released also show that within the South West, Poole receives the lowest funding in the region.

Councillor Jane James, Executive Spokesperson for Care, said: "We have always been committed to meeting the needs of vulnerable people in Poole, however the lack of funding provided is beginning to put these services at risk. We are now working together with local authorities in the South West to fight for better funding to keep our essential front line services going. As the needs of our residents become more complex, there is a growing fear that there will be a reduction in these vital services if the Government do not recognise our case and provide us with more money."

Nationally, Social Services departments receive far less funding than they need to provide services for children, the elderly and those with special needs and it is a problem that faces all local authorities.

In Poole, it is already predicted that by the end of the financial year:

• Adult Social Services will have overspent by up to £400,000 on Home Care
• Annual Home Care budget - £2 ½ million
• Annual Adult Social Services budget - £17 million

• Services for Looked After Children will have overspent by up to £500,000
• Annual Looked After Children budget - £2 million
• Annual budget for Children & Families - £6 million

A severe problem facing Poole next year is the provision of day care services. Since becoming a Unitary Authority, the Borough’s day centres have catered for people from Poole, Dorset and Bournemouth and funding from all three local authorities has supported this service. However as part of a commitment to supporting people locally, Dorset and Bournemouth will soon be providing services for people closer to their homes.

This means that Poole may face a £500,000 shortfall in income next year which will have a severe impact on service provision.

Councillor Jane James, added: "Something has got to be done… we need to make the most efficient use of our resources. We still need to continue providing day care services but as a consequence of lack of funding we cannot carry on the way things are. It is an issue that needs most serious consideration and we must fight to ensure that people in Poole are provided with the quality of service they deserve."

Ruth Lawson, PR Officer (Media), Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 633295