Progress has been made as health and social care leaders continue to negotiate a brutally challenging budget gap.
South Lanarkshire’s integration joint board (IJB) members, at a meeting yesterday (Wednesday 18 October), reaffirmed that the wellbeing, views and safety of communities will be central to all considerations as consensus was reached on a way forward to resolve immediate challenges.
Business closely followed a meeting last month, with members continuing the discussion of urgent budget recovery actions required to address the immediate £7 million funding gap in the current year.
The budget recovery plan approved combines the use of recurrent and one-off funding, with members all acknowledging the immensely difficult financial outlook that lies ahead for services and communities.
Lesley McDonald, chair of the IJB, said: “The meeting set out with – and achieved – two clear purposes. Firstly, this was to reach an agreement on the immediate way forward to address the financial challenges facing us here and now. Secondly, and importantly, the meeting was about formalising steps on how we will involve and consult with communities – and stakeholders – as we address these immediate challenges and consider all future options.”
Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire IJB, said: “We have been forthright about the challenges we face for many months now.
“We also remain dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable and at-risk individuals within our local communities.”
Professor Sengupta added: “As we continue with what is and will be a difficult and crucial programme of work, we continue to appreciate the professionalism and compassion of our staff and the understanding and patience of our communities.”
