Wolverhampton look to outsource social care services

Some social care services could be outsourced by Wolverhampton City Council as it attempts to save £123 million over the next five years.

Proposals will be presented to the council’s cabinet bosses at a meeting on March 4.

The move, which could affect around 500 staff, is thought to involve services for older people, children and young people, as well as a number of mental health and disability services..

Children and families boss Councillor Val Gibson said: “It is clear that, despite our very best efforts, we cannot make savings of £123m – on top of the £100m we have saved over the last five years – by delivering further efficiencies and through good housekeeping alone.

“We need to consider making fundamental changes to the way we deliver our services.

She added: “We are determined that any changes we make to our in-house services do not compromise our service users and that they continue to receive the highest quality of care possible.”

Wolverhampton City Council says it has looked at a ‘wide variety’ of options for services and has spoken to other local authorities which have developed alternative delivery models.

Services being considered as part of the review are older person services including Nelson Mandela House and Merry Hill House residential care homes, Bradley and Woden resource centres and a social care element of Blakenhall resource centre.

It could also impact on children’s services at Upper Pendeford Farm and Red Gables Children’s homes.