The decision has now been made to close the existing Day Centre and replace it with new services based on the personalised care model. I voted against this decision and I cannot pretend that I think it is the best way forward. It was argued that this was an issue of “freedom” of choice. I believe the decision to cut £400,000 from the Adult Care budget last February forced this issue and that the personalised care issue has been used as a smokescreen.

The impact on existing users, carers and staff is of great concern and assurances given that there will be support during the process of change. As someone who owes a personal debt to Amble Day Centre I will give whatever support I can to those affected by this decision.

The County Council says of the 2010 – 11 Budget that: “Councils have never faced a more challenging financial situation than the one facing them now and they are all being forced to look for savings in all areas”.

Spending cuts of up to £30 million are being identified. There is no way that can be done without a huge impact on services.
The Area Committee held a meeting with Town and Parish Councils where it was made clear that budget pressures could mean the transfer of services from the County to Parish and Town Councils; that will have a considerable impact on local Councils including levels of Council Tax.
I find it strange that now of all times when spending priorities should be carefully examined that the County Council has decided to launch a monthly newspaper.

During the debate on Day Centres it was pointed out that Northumberland traditionally spent £1million more on adult care services than our neighbours. Given the impact of the changes just agreed and the significant increases in day care charges I fear that will change. I know where my priorities would be!
At the end of a very tough year I wish you all the blessings of a peaceful Christmas and a more hopeful New Year.

Robert Arckless

Robert.Arckless99@northumberland.gov.uk Tel: 01665 711938

The decision regarding day care in Amble was finally taken at a recent meeting of the County Council. As I predicted in the last edition of The Ambler the provision of day care by the County Council will finish but it will still be provided to the same standard by outside agencies in Amble if that is what users want.

There will be a greater choice of services available to people in the future and in addition an assurance was given to the effect that no changes will happen until everyone has been consulted and a seamless transition can take place.

The monthly County Magazine that the current Liberal administration of the Council decided to send to all households has not gone down well with the rest of the elected members. I have had several communications from residents of my ward all of which, like me, believe this is a gross waste of council tax payer’s money.

The decision was taken without consultation with Council Councillors of other groups (including me) and is firmly contracted for a period of twelve months. This contract means that we cannot stop or change anything for the next ten editions but at the last meeting councillors voted to review the whole policy at the end of the contract which should enable us to follow a more cost effective method of keeping residents informed.

It seems a shame that in these difficult times of financial pressure that we should have spent such a lot of money producing an unnecessary magazine.

For your information I have moved house but am still available on 01665 714629 or email jeffrey.watson@northumberland.gov.uk

Jeff Watson