NO jobs in Blaenau Gwent’s Social Services department that are dependent on grant funding will be lost in the next year, councillors have been assured.
But councillors at a meeting of the county borough council’s People scrutiny committee earlier this month (February 18) raised concerns over the long term stability of the workforce as they believe job insecurity will see staff leave.
At a meeting last summer, the fear that dozens of jobs that are dependent on Welsh Government funding that comes in a number of grants including the Regional Integrated Fund (RIF) was discussed by councillors.
If the funding worth around £1.8 million to the council dried up, 49 jobs could be lost.
This would have had a massive impact on the already stretched department.
Director of Social Service, Alyson Haskins came back in front of councillors to update them on the situation now that clarity on the future of the grants had been provided to the council from the Welsh Government.
Ms Haskins said: “We’ve had positive news from Welsh Government so all of those grants including the RIF are going to continue for at least 12 months although we are constantly monitoring the situation.
“That means all our service areas will continue as they are currently and none of the posts need to cease.”
She added that the council is expecting an increase of 5.88 per cent for the Children and Communities grant and the Housing Support grant that funds the council’s homeless prevention services, is set to get an extra 11.45 per cent.
Ms Haskins said: “It’s a pleasing position to be in but this is only for the next 12 months.
“We do need to keep a very careful watch on these grants and manage the risk moving forward.”
Committe chairman, Labour’s Cllr Tommy Smith thanked her for the update.
Cllr Smith said: “It’s pleasing to hear the posts will remain.”
Non-aligned Independent Cllr George Humphreys said: “It’s good to know that we have this extension and funding for another year, unfortunately it’s only papering over the cracks.”
He explained that “longevity” is of “utmost importance” for the staff and residents.
Cllr Humphreys continued: “Staff on these contracts have bills to pay and commitments.
He believes that staff will leave when jobs offering “more security” crop up.
“Inevitably our residenst are going to miss out in the long,” said Cllr Humphreys.
Cllr David Wilkshire (Labour) pointed out that there were Social Services staff funded by grants all over Wales in the same boat.
Cllr Wilkshire: “There’s no continuity for the employees or the public, it’s not just us.”
Ms Hoskins said that the council was “slightly more fortunate” than other Welsh local authorities.
This is beacuse theyas they have transferred some teams over to be paid for by “core funding” in the council’s budget rather than grants.
Ms Haskins said: “The front door of Adult Service was previously all grant funded but through reconfiguration we have managed to have that 100 per cent core funded.”
But the concern for her is that the Children’s Services “front door” is “primarily” grant funded.
Ms Haskins added: “We’ve been in this position on grant funding annually for 10 years now.”
The committee noted the report and Cllr Smith added that he expected further updates given to the committee in the new financial year.
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