Policy & Resources recently revealed, in answer to written questions from Deputy Haley Camp, that it was implementing a rolling programme of priority-based budgeting – a structured critical review of all expenditure from the bottom up – and that Adult Disability Services would be one of the first areas under the microscope.
Susie Gallienne, also the chair of Wigwam, which supports children and families of children with additional needs, said she would welcome a proper evidence-based assessment of adult disability service resources and funding, but warned that disabled adults, especially those needing a great deal of support, were vulnerable to ad-hoc savings.
‘This eroding away of services is not necessarily noticed by the general public but can have a devastating effect on both the individual needing the services and their families who then have to try and fill the gap left,’ she said. ‘Without care for their sons and daughters, parents can’t work and have to rely on state benefits, so instead of paying taxes they have to be supported by the taxpayer, a reality very few people want to be pushed into.’
Mrs Gallienne gave the example of how respite care had been cut to local families in recent years.
‘This is an essential service so that their loved one with a disability is looked after and safe while the carers have a chance to rest, have a holiday away or follow their own interests,’ she said.
‘This is essential, especially for families where the adult with learning disabilities has an erratic and interrupted sleep pattern.
‘Without adequate respite, carers can suffer from burn out when their mental and physical health breaks down to such a degree that their deeply-loved adult with learning disabilities has to go into States care.’
She said that this had both huge emotional costs to the carers and substantial costs to taxpayers.
Guernsey Mencap was ready to support the States in any way it can to ensure the views and interests of people with a learning disability, their families and carers, would inform any review. It is expected that savings would materialise from the consideration of priority-based budgeting.
‘Residential care home fees are currently standing at £28,500 a year and nursing care homes nearer £60,000. This cost is borne by the taxpayer,’ she said.
‘Therefore a properly structured review of adult learning disability resources needs consultation with individuals, families and carers which evaluates both the short-term and long-term effects of resourcing the service properly.’
Other areas within government being considered for a pilot for priority-based budgeting include the Environment & Infrastructure Committee and the States Property Unit.