Laura Sharman 12 October 2018

Neighbourhood services a 'serious concern', report warns

A new report has highlighted 'serious concerns' over the future quality of neighbourhood services and adult social care unless councils receive adequate funding in the next spending review.

The Performance Tracker 2018 sets out the cost and performance of nine public services. It found neighbourhood services such as road maintenance and waste management have sustained the deepest cuts to spending, but a lack of data had made it impossible to say if councils can continue operating at their current level of efficiency.

It also expressed concern over adult social care finding there are 'clear signs' that levels of output can't be maintained or increased with affecting the quality of service.

The report, published by the Institute for Government and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, warned that the cost of public services if being 'quietly shifted' towards the public, who have not been made aware of important trade-offs between spending and performance.

It stated: 'Social care – for both children and adults – is the most costly element of local government activity. As demand for both has risen, spending on other services that local government runs – such as libraries, waste collection and trading standards – has been consistently squeezed. Non-social care spending now makes up only 46% of all local government spending, down from 55% in 2010/11.

'This creates obvious potential for public resentment. People paying local taxes think that they are paying for services available to everyone in the area, such as waste collection and libraries. But those universal services are being squeezed by social care, used only by a minority.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

YPSA Waking Night Support Worker cloned on 06-10-25 14

Oxfordshire County Council
£31537 - £34434
Together, we’re shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire. In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we’re committed to delivering lasting ch Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Personal Adviser

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£37,280-£41,771
We are seeking a passionate and skilled Connexions Personal Adviser to join our team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner