Tough cuts decisions

Published: 13 January, 2011

• CAMDEN is facing the most severe cuts to funding for a generation. 

As a result we have to take some very tough decisions about all the services we provide, including our adult social care services. 

We are introducing changes that ensure they are being run as efficiently as possible. But this alone won’t achieve the £16million savings to adult services that we think that we will have to make over the next three years. 

So some services are being altered, but the funding for other services will have to be withdrawn altogether so that we can protect essential services for our most vulnerable users.

We want to consult those of you who use our adult social care services, as well as friends, carers and families, about the changes we are proposing. Doing nothing is not an option but we want to make sure you get a chance to say what you think the impact of these changes might be on people who use these services.

Some of you will receive a copy of the consultation document and questionnaire through the post or from organisations you’re involved with. You can also complete a questionnaire online. 

We will also be holding meetings where you can come along and have your say. 

For more information or a printed copy of the questionnaire call freephone 0800 694 0156 textphone 020 7974 6866. 

Your responses will enable us to have a good understanding of how the proposed changes will affect people, so we are keen to hear from as many of you as possible.

I know from letters to the paper and to the council that some people have already expressed concern about suggestions of closures to day centres. Over the years the council has provided a wide range of adult social services for all. The financial situation means we have to make changes in order to safeguard crucial services for our most needy and vulnerable adults. 

The council is still in discussions with the voluntary sector organisations about our proposals; we are aiming to introduce the changes that we cannot avoid as gradually as we can and to manage the impact as sensitively as possible for our service users. After the changes we believe that we will still be spending around £3million arranging for adult social care services to be delivered by the voluntary sector. 

As a council we remain committed to protecting and providing services in Camden for our most vulnerable residents.

CLLR PAT CALLAGHAN 
Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health