William Eichler 22 September 2016

Social work in Scotland at ‘watershed’ moment

Public service users must play a more active role in shaping the future of social work in Scotland, report says.

The local government spending watchdog, the Accounts Commission, estimates social work will need up to £667m a year extra to function - on top of the £3.1bn already spent on providing services to vulnerable people.

A new report for the Accounts Commission, prepared by Audit Scotland, found this could only be avoided if new ways of delivering services are implemented.

The study argued this would require a wider debate with local people on the level, nature and affordability of services, and it also proposed more work is needed to involve users in how services are designed, commissioned and run.

Since 2011/12 social work spending has increased by 3%, according to the report, while overall councils' spending has fallen by 11%.

On top of these funding pressures, demand has also increased. The number of looked after children, for example, has risen by 36% since 2000.

Councils have made savings by reducing services and cutting costs.

Douglas Sinclair, chair of the Accounts Commission, said: ‘A critical test for any civilised society is how it provides for the needs of its most vulnerable people. Councils have coped well in recent years but Scotland is now facing a watershed.

‘Increasing pressures on social work and rising expectations of what it should deliver can only intensify. Now is the time for some frank discussions and hard choices. It is vital that people who use and provide services - and the wider public - are actively involved in that debate on future provision.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner