Salford City Council has backed staff looking to set up a John Lewis style company to deliver social care.
The council has ‘cautiously’ welcomed the proposal for staff to run social care services as an alternative to privatisation or cutting services in the face of £81m budget cuts.
Cllr Peter Connor, Salford’s assistant mayor for adult care, said: ‘The idea is to create a not for profit company owned by its staff and run for the benefit of the people it serves. Both staff and service users would decide what services are offered, be involved in developing innovative responses to present and future needs and have a strong voice in how the company develops.
’The company could also generate income which would reduce the need for core council funding over time while protecting services and jobs.
’As with all companies, there is a risk involved – but there is also risk involved in cutting services further or putting them out to tender. If this goes ahead, we will make sure we have strong contingency plans in place to manage any risks and protect people whichever option is chosen.’
A business case will now be drawn up and staff balloted on the proposals before a decision is made by city mayor, Ian Stewart, later this year.
