HSCP savings "difficult to read" chief admits

But Evan Beswick also stated that "communication and engagement" are key for the partnership (HSCP) to set a balanced budget for 2026/27.

Savings options totalling £3.4m have been revealed in a report to go before the HSCP’s integration joint board (IJB) members at a meeting.

These include a reduction in a responder/mobile teams contract, and a new charging model for internal day centre provision.

But the same report also highlights that the projected gap for 2026/27 before savings are implemented is £16.4m. Members of the IJB will also be asked to endorse progressing to public consultation on the budget.

The IJB will meet in Campbeltown tomorrow, Wednesday January 28, with virtual attendance also possible.

James Gow, the HSCP’s head of finance, said: "Actions to deliver savings will have adverse whole system implications and are likely to be contrary to the policy framework outlined above.

"The following table summarises the proposals under consideration at present to address the gap. The risk ratings are in respect of the deliverability, they do not reflect the risk or adverse impacts regarding service delivery/community impacts.

"Few of these are considered to reflect desirable system change, the impact assessments will confirm the operational/service safety risk but most are expected to be considered as red/undesirable.”

Three savings options are categorised as red – on the responder/mobile teams contract, the approach to internal day centre provision, and a third sector contract and grants.

The only two rated as green relate to posts which are currently being held vacant. For many of the options, an impact assessment and engagement are reported to be required.

The table also includes a threshold of care at home hours, which has already been approved by the IJB. It is rated as amber.

Mr Gow added: "It is not the purpose of this paper to seek approval for the proposals at this stage or to outline the adverse impacts.

"Several pieces of work are on-going to progress the proposals and public engagement to a stage where they can be considered by the IJB in March 2026.”