Fears over use of private firms by Staffordshire County Council
FINANCE leaders have defended their savings strategy amid claims too many council services are being handed to private companies.
Staffordshire County Council made savings of £34 million last year and is planning to save another £36 million in 2012/13.
New figures show the authority's 'transformation' programme, which includes a series of major outsourcing projects, delivered £17.5 million savings – more than half of the amount saved in 2011/12.
But concerns have been raised that the authority is stripping the democratic accountability of its councillors by handing a series of services to private firms and charities.
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Councillor Ian Parry, pictured, cabinet member for finance, said: "Our mantra has always been that we will not shut or close something that people want until something the same, or better, is there to replace it.
"But we are not always the best people to provide services. It may be the third sector, a charity or the private sector, or a mixture of them.
"We'll maintain the quality of a service and ensure the best value for taxpayers.
"What people often fail to recognise is that we remain accountable for services even when they are being provided on our behalf."
The council is pressing ahead with plans to transfer up to 5,000 school support staff to a new venture led by a private firm from next year.
Everything from music tuition and special needs support to grounds maintenance and school meals will be run by the private sector partner, which will be able to run the services at its discretion to make a profit.
The council is to privatise six nurseries, including those at children's centres in Knutton, Biddulph and Stafford, to help save £1.5 million-a-year.
About 1,000 council social workers were transferred to an NHS-led trust, which has taken on responsibility for helping vulnerable residents gain their independence.
General home care services have also been out-sourced.
And the benefits assessment service is also due to be handed over to smaller district and borough councils to help save £400,000 a year.
Steve Elsey, branch secretary of Unison Staffordshire, said: "A while ago, I made the comment that I'm sure the chief executive would like the county council to simply consist of a chief executive, his PA and the elected members.
"It started out as a joke, but it is looking more like it could be their long-term aim to strip the council down to the bare minimum and basically do away with the public sector.
"There is difficulty in holding the private sector to account."
Mr Elsey said the union has "grave concerns" about the job security of educational support staff involved in the impending transfer.
Biddulph councillor Christina Jebb, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, said: "Staff are having to get used to an entirely different way of working and it can be a difficult situation, particularly if you're stuck in the middle of it.
"But I do accept changes do need to happen."
Mrs Jebb also questioned the authority's decision not to take a seat on the board of the NHS-led trust delivering home care using £137 million of the county council's budget.
Comment: Page 10
Comments
by thowtfull
Tuesday, June 12 2012, 8:11AM
“Clem 51 has it about right -
There seems to be trend to privatise the delivery element of our public services, such as care visitors. This creates a disconnect between the people that pay for it (us) and the people who deliver it (Poorly paid staff in insecure posts) via two layers of management: The County Council and the Care Company (or Charity). So less control and worse jobs on the coal face but more managers?
We get what we pay for and what we vote for, unfortunately we often don't seem to understand what we are voting for?”
by Clem51
Monday, June 11 2012, 5:00PM
“If the private sector can do it, then the council should be able to do it too...with the right managers!”
by Anon_mow_cop
Monday, June 11 2012, 11:49AM
“Privatisation is always a race to the bottom.”
by watchword
Monday, June 11 2012, 11:24AM
“Why don't our decision makers tell the truth about the real reasons behind why they want to privatise services. It provides the the private company the opportunity to reduce manpower and pay which is not agreed at national level.
Yes it does save the "Public Sector" money but not because the "third sector" is more efficient or better at delivering the services.
What l don't understand is that with the amount that they are saving and supposedly improving the quality of services, why are they increasing the level of allowances that they are paying to councillors? Has there been a reduction in the level of council tax that we pay which is commensurate with the savings?
As services are transferred to the third sector, then there should be a significant reduction in councillors and managerial staff at senior level, to do otherwise just creates duplication and makes highly paid chief executives posts redundant.”
by truestokie
Monday, June 11 2012, 10:54AM
“"Common purpose " at its best.
Asset stripping while lining pockets is the mantra here.
Where are "our" elected councillors?
Oh sorry they are arranging more "jolly boys outings" at our expense.”
by InsiderOut
Monday, June 11 2012, 10:13AM
“Mrs Jebb questioned the decision not to take a seat on the board - BUT DID NOTHING ABOUT IT! Time to go Mrs Jebb - less than twelve months.........”