Manchester social care change proposals put forward

Manchester City Council has published proposals on changes to social care.

The changes will enable the council to make £8.8m of the £39.5 million savings required over the next two years, while still maintaining the best possible service to vulnerable residents who are older and/or disabled.

The plans, outlined in a report to the council's Health and Well-Being scrutiny committee yesterday (Thursday 8 September), have been thoroughly consulted on and have been shaped by the views of people receiving social care, their families and carers.

Councillor Glynn Evans, Executive Member for Adult Services said: "We believe that these proposals are the fairest that we could draw up in these difficult times. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that anyone with an eligible social care need will continue to be protected where appropriate and supported. We will continue to work with all partners including health services and the voluntary sector to ensure community-based local support is available for people who need it. "

These are innovative proposals, which include a greater use of an early intervention approach called reablement, a service that Manchester has run successfully since 2008. Reablement supports people after illness, loss or crisis, to help them to regain skills and return to independence. This proposal was welcomed by 76 per cent of people who took part in the consultation. The service has a proven track record, with 43 per cent of people using it not going on to require any ongoing support, and a further 35 per cent needing less support long-term.

There are also changes to the way we allocate resources to meet people's needs. This means that a core amount of funding will be allocated to meet the identified needs of all people assessed as eligible. Those who require more intensive support, for example with mobility or personal care, will continue to be supported effectively.

The council will improve support for people who need 'meals on wheels' so that food can be prepared by staff carrying out other support tasks during a single visit. There will also be greater use of innovative technology to support a greater level of independence.

It is proposed not to supply equipment which costs under £25 to people who do not meet our eligibility criteria but to continue to supply equipment to support eligible needs and independence. Transport costs to day centre will have to increase but will continue to be heavily subsidised.