The merger of Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent Councils’ social services departments is to be halted over the risk of Caerphilly taxpayers subsidising services in Blaenau Gwent.
A three-year programme to fully integrate the two services began in 2011 and was due for completion in 2013/14.
However, councillors are due to meet on Tuesday to discuss the merger’s future and have been recommended to halt it over concerns that Caerphilly taxpayers would be cross-subsidising their neighbours in Blaenau Gwent – something not allowed under financial rules.
Nigel Barnett, acting chief executive of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “This recommendation to members is certainly not one which has been made lightly, however we simply must acknowledge that, given the current and forthcoming pressures on public sector finances, we must do what is right by the citizens of our county borough
“I firmly believe that at this point in time, in order for us to prioritise funding for essential frontline services including social services provision, we must be in a relatively strong financial position, and not one whereby we are at risk of cross subsidisation.
“Should members approve this proposal, both councils will continue to explore opportunities for further collaboration in the future. It must also be noted that significant learning has been gained from the project, both from an organisational perspective, but also what can be shared nationally, particularly around governance.
“Residents of Caerphilly County Borough should feel assured that delivering first class social services that meet the needs of our residents continues to be at the heart of all we do, and we remain committed to ensuring that those who require these services are able to access them for many years to come.”
CAERPHILLY AND BLAENAU GWENT SOCIAL SERVICES INTEGRATION PROGRAMME – DECISION TO PROCEED OR NOT
That`s another few million pounds wasted then?..How much of it went to outside consultants? and, were any of the outside firms run by ex Caerphilly Council employees as in the case of the current Caerphilly council "spying/Surveillance scandal?
It really is time the `Burghers` of Caerphilly Council and their appointed advisers decided amongst themselves which of them needs to be recalled to the factory for reprogramming, they really do appear out of control when it comes to doing the right thing in respect to its duty to the electorate.
Does this mean goodbye Caerffili CBC, hello Mid Glamorgan CC ? We should be told whether the original idea came from the Labour group (now in control of both councils); from officials; or whether originally frem Caer or Blaenau Gwent? Who is unable to co-operate ? This sounds to me like the end of co-operation. Do we want to believe we can be independent, only to discover that the reality is forced mergers ?
Maybe the real reason for abandoning is the suspension of the CEO and the Director of Social Services leaving? An expensive change of mind which won't please WAG. With only one Director of Social Services in post I would have thought a merger makes more sense than ever !