WALTHAM FOREST: Voluntary sector "could implode"

2:13pm Tuesday 16th March 2010

Exclusive By Jonathan Bunn

A CRISIS is looming in the provision of vital care for Waltham Forest’s most vulnerable adults, voluntary organisations have warned.

WellComm, a partnership between the borough’s voluntary groups, is deeply concerned the sector could “implode” due to the way services are being handled by the council and the primary care trust, NHS Waltham Forest (PCT).

It says there has been a lack of open dialogue and information during the development of changes to the way the authorities commission services for the elderly, disabled and long-term ill.

The partnership, which includes local branches of Age Concern, Mencap and Disability Action, criticised the “widespread and persistent” use of temporary staff and consultants by the council and PCT, saying it has led to “continuous delays and costly repetition” in planning services.

A lack of information on future service provision has also left organisations unable to plan bids for future contracts.

But, in some cases, voluntary groups have also been excluded from the tendering process because they were deemed to have advance knowledge of the services required.

A WellComm spokesperson said: “The local voluntary sector could implode. We have no idea what is happening to the services being provided and in the future this will be to the detriment of vulnerable people.

“We can’t plan ahead, or tell anybody what is going to happen. The local voluntary sector, particularly the large groups such as Age Concern and Mencap, have always borough money into the borough. But, at the moment we can’t even apply for funding because we don’t have the information - it is just chaos, quite frankly.”

Leyton MP Harry Cohen said: "I have met with representatives of Age Concern Waltham Forest and other local groups, and have communicated my concern at the serious breakdown of the relationship, which the Council's disarray over contract procedures and partnership arrangements has brought about.

"I have expressed my concerns in writing, in detail, and want the local authority chiefs to resolve this matter promptly and sensibly."

Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith said: "I am deeply concerned that, at a time when the most vulnerable people in Waltham Forest are in need of help and support, which often can only be delivered by the voluntary sector, much of this work now stands in jeopardy.

"It appears that Waltham Forest Council has shown a disregard for the needs of the voluntary sector in failing to consult adequately, in numerous delays through planning and implementation foul-ups and in imposing extra and unnecessary costs through an ill-thought out commissioning process."

Cabinet member for health, adults and older people, Cllr Liz Phillips, said: "We strongly refute the allegations made by WellComm.

"We have a strong partnership with the NHS in Waltham Forest and we are both absolutely committed to improving services for the people who most need our help and support.

"We have kept other important partners including our voluntary sector colleagues fully informed."