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October 8, 2024
People across Renfrewshire are invited to share their views on the current challenges facing health and social care services locally – and on how the Integration Joint Board (IJB), the body that oversees related services, can address its budget gap.
The projected funding gap for the IJB is £11.8m for the year 2025 / 26.
Due to the recurring nature of the gap, this is projected to increase to £34.9m in 2026 / 27. By this time, the IJB will have used up most of its reserves, the money kept back to cover periods of financial difficulties.
These challenges are being faced by the health and social care sector across the country – due to an increasing demand for services and higher costs.
Following approval by IJB members at its meeting on 25 September, today, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is launching the first of two stages of engagement activities. In this first stage, the HSCP is asking people from across Renfrewshire to share their views on how the IJB can address its budget gap – and to gather any supporting ideas.
A survey will be available for three weeks, until Friday 25 October. It will be available online, with paper versions and additional support available at various locations to assist those who may be less comfortable completing the form. Details of where you will be able to find paper copies and can access support to complete the survey will be updated on the HSCP Engagement web page.
Alongside the survey, the HSCP will also be hosting a series of focus groups with existing Care Planning Groups members.
Findings from this engagement will be collated, alongside savings ideas identified by HSCP staff – and will be brought back to the IJB at its next meeting in December for them to consider.
With IJB Members’ feedback, more detailed proposals to address the gap will be developed in early 2025.
If agreed at this point, the HSCP will undertake a second stage of engagement, based upon any specific proposals that are developed. Feedback from this stage will also be shared with the IJB to assist their decision making.
Christine Laverty, Chief Officer of Renfrewshire HSCP said: “The budget gap we face will make things extremely challenging over the coming years. If we cannot deliver a balanced budget – and enter a period of financial recovery – we couldn’t guarantee delivery of the services we currently provide and would have to make decisions to cut costs quickly.
“I appreciate that none of us wants to be in this position. No one wants to face the tough choices that will have to be made for us to ensure our sustainability going forward.
“As we enter this new phase of engagement, I want to reassure people that all opinions are valued and will be considered as part of this process. So, please make time to let us know your views and share your ideas on how we can address our budget gap.
