Budget for social welfare advice and legal services could be reduced under council proposal

The budget for social welfare advice and legal services could be reduced if a new council proposal is approved.

Rochdale Borough Council is currently running a consultation into reducing the budget by 10%, saving £35,000.

John Rooney, Assistant Director of Information, Customers and Communities at Rochdale Borough Council said: “To address our budget gap of £3.6 million for 2019/20, we’re consulting on proposals including a reduction of 10% to the budget for our social welfare advice and legal services contract.  

“We would look to secure a new contract via joint procurement with other local councils to deliver a more efficient and improved value for money service. 

“A consultation is underway until 10 September, so we encourage everyone to give us their views on this or on any alternatives before decisions are taken.”

Following a full procurement exercise, the council awarded the contract in April 2015 to Pennine West Citizen Advice Bureau.

The contract was awarded to Rochdale Citizens Advice Bureau again in 2017, which currently delivers the service and is contracted to do so until 31 March 2019.

The current service delivery model prioritises contact by phone or online. Currently the CAB’s advice line is the primary contact number used for advice services in the borough. The CAB also have a website which promotes self-service.

Face to face services need to be delivered in specified locations, mostly on an appointment basis, for those in most need, or where the service can only be dealt with face to face.

Over the last two years, the number of people accessing advice at face to face appointments has reduced by 15%.

Data provided by Citizens Advice shows that 41% of people accessing their services are disabled, 82% are aged 25-64 and 24% are from a black, Asian or minority ethic (BAME) background.

Citizens Advice has been contacted for comment.

The consultation closes Monday 10 September 2018.

Contact

Survey: https://consultations.rochdale.gov.uk/council-wide/nh-2019-20-024/consultation/intro/

Email: consultation@rochdale.gov.uk

Write to: Freepost RTKH-UCCB-JSJU,

(Rochdale Borough Council, PO Box 100, Public Consultation)

Rochdale,

OL16 9NP