14 April 2006
Two deficit-ridden primary care trusts in Wiltshire have withdrawn up to £3m of social care funding from the local authority with just 14 hours' notice.
The council claims the move risks destabilising its finances and calls into further doubt the viability of partnership working between health and social care.
In a letter to Wiltshire County Council's social services department, the joint chief executive of Kennet and North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire PCTs explained that funding for 50 older people in residential care and nursing homes would be withdrawn with effect from April 1.
Funds for respite care and day services for disabled adults have also been cut.
Wiltshire council leader Jane Scott, in a letter to social care minister Liam Byrne, said the move showed a 'complete disregard for the care of very disabled and older people in Wiltshire'.
The cuts represent the latest action by the two PCTs to address their estimated combined deficits of £18m.
But Scott told Public Finance that the cuts reneged on long-standing joint funding agreements. 'For them to renege on them is bad enough, but with such short notice is outrageous.'
The council would have to review its entire budget, she said.
A spokesman for Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT said: 'The process of reviewing expenditure and producing financial recovery plans has included discussion with the county council.
'We are continuing to spend £6.5m on long-term placements, as this is a recognised health spend. However, we have informed the council that… we will no longer be funding social care and educational activities.'
PFapr2006
