News

Scrutiny Committee agree with plans for IGC

Released on 21 July 2010

At its meeting this week (July 19) Surrey Heath Borough Council's Community Scrutiny Committee agreed with the decision made by the council's Executive last month to transform the Ian Goodchild Centre (IGC) for older people into a multi-functional community facility that residents of all ages, and existing customers, can enjoy.

The decision made by the Executive on 15 June had been 'called-in' by opposition members requesting specific aspects of the decision to be scrutinised in more detail.

The Community Scrutiny Committee cannot make decisions but it is able to agree with the original Executive decision or disagree and return the decision back to the Executive with recommendations. On 19 July the Committee examined the member call-in and following careful consideration, were able to approve the original Executive decision.

What this means

From October 2010 the council's role will shift from service provider at the IGC to that of landlord. While there will be no care staff at the IGC, the current rentals will continue, including the hairdresser, chiropodist and counselling and the council will carry on directly providing a lunchtime meals service open to all. The changes will enable the council to provide a new community space with a wider range of uses available for all residents.

Community and voluntary organisations, groups and other potential users of the IGC will be encouraged to provide a range of activities, including caring and supportive services.

A full programme of consultation on the proposals began in January 2010, starting with the 100 plus registered service users and centre staff, followed by local groups and 10% of households within the borough.

A key feature of the changes to the IGC will involve expanding the Windle Valley Centre from its current three days a week service to five days a week. This enhanced centre will continue to provide excellent day-care services, but will open for an extra two days and give priority to service users with high needs.

The changes will help meet the council's need for financial savings, as well as enabling increased use of both council venues.

Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council Cllr Moira Gibson, said: "It's vital we make our assets and services fit for the 21st century needs of our community.

"The views expressed by customers and residents responding to the consultation will assist in creatively shaping the future of Community Services, a large part of which were established more than 20 years ago.

"As with many local authorities, the current economic climate has put the council under immense pressure to identify financial savings. We want to safeguard future services by looking ahead and working with the many voluntary organisations across the borough, as well as improve the use of council buildings.

"Although some of the changes will require initial investment, within less than two years they will result in savings to help offset the Council Tax requirement.

"By changing the way services are delivered, we believe the council can continue to provide for those with high need whilst developing new and exciting opportunities and enabling both Ian Goodchild and Windle Valley to remain open offering services to the older population and the wider community.

"Reshaping our services includes operating on a more flexible basis to enable greater community use, which will benefit everyone, from young people to the elderly.

"We realise that any change is difficult and can fill people with apprehension but the council will make every effort to help during the transition period and ensure that different needs are handled sensitively, especially those with disabilities, helping to support existing social groups and encouraging an environment where new friendships form."