Council to increase spending on adult care services

14th March 2014

Highland Councillors has agreed to dedicate significant additional funding for services to older people and the vulnerable.

The Council has agreed an extra £13.5 million over the next three financial years for NHS Highland to deliver adult care services on its behalf.

It will also meet part of a projected budget deficit in the current financial year of £1million. This would come from Council balances, which currently stand at £17.6 million.

Council Leader Drew Hendry said: “This increase in funding demonstrates the huge commitment of the Council to the provision of vital services to older people and the most vulnerable in our communities. It also recognises the increasing demands on services for older and vulnerable people. We want to place future funding on a sound financial footing to ensure we continue the progress we are making in providing our communities with better, more integrated services.

“It is important for further financial settlement to acknowledge and reflect the benefits arising from Integration and evidence that services are being re-configured with improved outcomes for clients.”

This is the third year of the pioneering five year Partnership Agreement between the Council and NHS Highland to deliver adult and children’s services. NHS Highland has responsibility for adult services and the Council responsibility for children’s services.

The Council currently allocates funding of £86.4 million in commissioning the delivery of adult services.