"Older Peoples Services are going backwards not forwards"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 26th Oct 2007

Councillor Brian Hoare

"The Inspection of Services for Older People" by The Commission for Social Care Inspection shows that the services provided by the County Council are going backwards not forwards" according to Councillor Brian Hoare, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Councillors on Northamptonshire County Council.

Last year the Commission inspected "Adult Social Care" of which "Services for Older People" is part. The report last year said the council was "Serving MOST People Well" and the prospects for improvement were "promising." This year the report of Older Peoples Services said the council is only "Serving SOME People Well" and the prospects for improvement were "uncertain."

"Mid way through the Conservative Administration's term of office, services are going backwards not forwards, and the budget cuts made last year are now starting to bite into the effectiveness of services" he added.

The Council has put forward an Action Plan in response to the inspection report. "We will be watching how the council implements this action plan" says Cllr. Hoare, "and just as importantly we will be challenging any move by the Conservatives to reduce funding for older peoples services in the next budget round."

The council was criticised by the Inspection Team Leader, Louise Lawton, who at the NCC Cabinet Meeting reported that:

• the council's radical organisational change programme had created instability and a risk to delivery of services,

• the lack of capacity of senior managers and senior staff changes had adversely impacted on services,

• value for money was not consistently achieved

• resources allocated to older peoples services need to take account of the rapidly increasing population and future demands

• better partnership working was required with the community and voluntary sector, and borough and district councils.

• Community and Voluntary Sector organisations felt vulnerable and ill informed of their future role

• Carers and Users did not feel able to influence the "change programme" through the council's consultation programme

• The level of "efficiency" savings and demographic growth means that services are not meeting users needs

• Changes to the eligability criteria reduced users satisfaction

• There were gaps in older people's mental health service and in culturally appropriate services for black and ethnic minority population.

On the positive side

• there is a clear vision for the future of older peoples services,

• some progress had been made against national priorities and national performance indicators

• approaches to early intervention and prevention

• promoting the independence of people who use services

• the quality of independent care home provision across the county was good.

A copy of the report is available via www.csci.org.uk.