Thurrock Council is asking local people for their comments on five proposals surrounding the provision of Adult Social Care in the borough.
The council is looking to reduce its spending by around £25 million over the next two years’ budgets (2011/12 and 2012/13), with further savings likely in 2013/14.
Cllr Tony Fish – portfolio holder for Adult Social Care – said: “I want to emphasise that no decisions have been taken and I would urge anyone interested in care for adults in Thurrock to take part in this consultation and make their views known.
“There are several different ways of getting involved, so please take advantage and let us know your thoughts.”
Each of the five proposals now being consulted on were part of the Thurrock’s Budget – Let’s Talk discussions in August and September, but this latest consultation goes into more detail.
The five areas are: reviewing the council’s eligibility criteria for receiving services; increasing non-residential charges; the future of the Thurrock Carers’ Centre; a review of respite provision and the council’s respite service at Hathaway Road and Breakaway short-break service; and the future of the delivery of Thurrock Disability Provider Services.
Details of the proposals – and the ability to respond – are available on the council’s website (www.thurrock.gov.uk) where the questionnaires are also available to be downloaded.
Thurrock Council is also planning a series of public surgeries and public meetings at various venues around Thurrock in November.
On Friday (15 October) the Beehive, Grays, will be hosting a voluntary sector-led event between 10am and 3pm where people can give their views and complete the consultation questionnaires.
There will be a public meeting at Corringham Village Hall, Springhouse Road, Corringham, on 1 November, between 2pm and 4pm; a surgery at the Alexandra Hall complex, Alexandra Road, Tilbury, on 3 November, noon until 8pm; a surgery at Thameside 2, Thameside complex, Orsett Road, Grays, on 9 November, between noon and 8pm; a public meeting at Hassenbrook School, Hassenbrook Road, Stanford-le-Hope, on 11 November, between 5pm and 7pm; and a public meeting at the Culver Centre, Daiglen Drive, South Ockendon, on 17 November, between 7pm and 9pm.
In addition, it is possible to complete the consultation questionnaire by telephone, by calling 01375 389894.
The closing date for the consultation is 22 November.
