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19 Jan 99

Increased Funding for Social Services

A bid by the Borough of Poole for increased Social Services funding has paid off. Following last year's Central Government lobbying by Councillors and Officers from Poole, an above average increase in Social Services funding has been secured for the coming year, and potentially for the next two years.

Cllr Jane James, Chairman of the Social Services Committee said: "This helps to redress the very low base from which the new Authority's Social Services were supported by the Government in the first year. We are developing a track record in securing better funding, making a strong case on behalf of Poole people and achieving some success."

The current indication from Government is that next year Poole will receive support more in line with predicted needs at the same level as we had predicted spending.

Fred Davies, Policy Director said: "Unfortunately it's not all good news. This still doesn't allow us to meet all the growing requests for help and the possibility of cuts in service has been considered because of the need for cash freeze budgets across the Council".

However, a last minute announcement by the Government indicates that Poole could benefit from additional grants for Community Care. Cllr Charles Meachin, Vice-Chairman of the Social Services Committee said: "To obtain these the Council will have to submit plans for developing services in the community that meet the Government's expectations. If we are successful in this we could gain as much as another £950,000 which would mean more money for services for local people instead of cutbacks".

Fred Davies, Policy Director, 01202 633203