Final check needed on overhaul of care

Oldham Cabinet

PLANS for a radical overhaul of adult social care services in Oldham need more scrutiny before implementation, Oldham Council’s cabinet meeting has decided.

The plans involve the establishment of a council trading arm to compete with the private sector on new care contracts, and is expected to save the authority around £3 million a year from next April.

The council employs 450 people to provide around a quarter of adult social-care services. Higher wages mean the cost is higher than it would be if handled by private contractors.

The trading arrangements would see one part of the service company taking on existing work and all current staff, and the second competing for new contracts, with staff on lower wages.

Proposals will be discussed by the council’s overview board before a decision is made.


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