Joint Press Release: Councils support the feasibility of Central Wales Social Services
12 December 2011
County Councils in Ceredigion and Powys have backed proposals to continue to work together towards forming Central Wales Social Services.
Members recognise the potential benefit in the approach suggested and decided that design work should now be commissioned to include an operating model for the regional elements of the services, together with a detailed business and financial case which would be reported for further consideration and decision.
Both councils welcomed the emphasis given in the report that core front line services will continue to be delivered by local staff, and that local political accountability would remain.
Ceredigion and Powys county councils have been working on a feasibility study since the interim appointment of joint Director of Social Services – Parry Davies - in May of this year.
Supported by consultants Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the feasibility work looked at the structures, processes, policies and systems of the two authorities to identify opportunities for collaboration.
The WLGA Central Wales Regional Partnership Board met in Builth Wells today and marked the decision.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Powys County Council and Councillor Rosemarie Harris (Cabinet Member for Social Services), commented: “All of local government is having to look carefully at its services to see if it can provide them in a more efficient way. Ceredigion and ourselves have looked at our social care structures and this report shows that by working together we will be able to provide a better service to the residents of the two counties.”
Councillor Keith Evans, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, and Councillor Hag Harris (Cabinet Member for Social Services) added: “The report endorses the commitment to keeping core front-line service delivery local and also supports the local political accountability of both councils. It also proposes establishing a single regional management team and suggests that some services could be organised regionally, which would help both authorities address increasing demand and financial pressures.”
Steve Thomas CBE, WLGA Chief Executive said: “The WLGA is delighted to have supported the feasibility study from the outset and we therefore warmly welcome the news. Through establishing the WLGA Central Wales Regional Partnership Board, Ceredigion and Powys have continued a strong track record of regional joint working on issues such as waste and highways . This new collaboration around social services not only demonstrates both authorities’ willingness to look at novel approaches to managing these essential services but also represents a significant step which will undoubtedly help the authorities respond strategically to Sustainable Social Services: A Framework for Action.”
The study indicates that there are unlikely to be significant changes in staff numbers in either authorities although any changes would follow full consultation with unions.
Both councils met on Thursday of last week. On Tuesday of last week, members of each council’s cabinet supported the report and referred it to all members for decision.
For more information contact: Lucy Sweet