As council tax bills fall onto doormats across Swindon – asking for a five per cent increase – the local authority has moved to emphasise how important that funding is to the most vulnerable people in the borough.

Cabinet member for finance Russell Holland has set a budget of £153m for 2021-22 – up £4m from the year coming to an end. About 80 per cent of that entire budget – £120m – will be spent on adult social care and children’s services, such as social work and fostering.

But the cabinet member for health Brian Ford said despite three per cent of the council tax increase being specifically for adult social care his department is not now rolling in money.

Coun Ford said: “Three per cent brings in about £3m more – but we have young people with complex care needs transitioning now to adults and that will take up all of that increase. And it doesn’t mean there is now £3m freed up from the children’s budget, because there are more children coming along with extra needs.”

Although every individual case is different because people have different needs to be met the council says most of its budget is spent on about 10 per cent of the population of Swindon.

Coun Holland said: “People might say 'my council tax is going up, and what benefit do I see?' – but I believe most people would want to know that the most vulnerable people in our community are being looked after.”

Coun Ford said most of his budget was spent on domiciliary care – where carers visit people in their own homes to help out:

He said: “That can be one or two visits a day to make sure people are clothed and washed and fed, or it can be more extensive care.

“We do a lot of work with reablement where people come out of hospital and we work with them to help them live more independently. That can be helping them to learn how to boil a kettle again, but it allows more independence and needs a smaller care package.”

For children’s services the focus is on early help for vulnerable children and families, trying to prevent the need to take children into the council’s care.

Cabinet member for children Mary Martin said 2020-21 had seen new challenges and added: “Over the last year we have been working to maintain contact – we were focusing on children’s mental health and the extra pressures that lockdown could bring.

“Often we only have one chance to get it right with children, so the funding we get is vital.”

Adult social care

Adult social care – the council’s single biggest expense – covers everything from funding care home costs for elderly people to home visits by carers to special adaptations and treatment for those with disabilities or medical needs. 

One example is Megan, who is in her twenties and has a learning disability, autism, behavioural issues and limited communication skills, and needs intensive support with all aspects of her life. 

Her social worker said: “After spending several years in residential care a long way from her family and community, Megan moved into a bungalow locally. 

“I worked over some years with Megan, her family and with those who support her to plan this move carefully, as well as a range of professionals including housing, Megan’s support providers and community health services. 

“When she first moved into her new home, Megan needed support from two people for 15 hours a day, every day. But with our support, she now only needs one member of staff helping her for most of the day and has been able to go out and enjoy new activities, something she never thought she could achieve before.

“Over the next year, we’ll keep supporting Megan to achieve important life skills and to help her find more permanent accommodation soon, giving her a much more settled and enjoyable life.” 

Family members of adults who need care are also helped. Gregory looks after his wife Sylvia, who has arthritis. 

He said: “It makes it hard to move and do simple things, like getting in and out of bed. As her carer I try to help her as much as I can but struggle to give her the support she needs on my own. 

“Last year, the council’s occupational therapy service installed a hoist, sling and mini-lift in our house which makes it so much easier for Sylvia to move around the house and we can now sleep in the same bed. 

“Sylvia can now enjoy time sitting with me on the sofa which means we can get back to being husband and wife, instead of just patient and carer. This has improved our quality of life and our relationship immeasurably.” 

Children's services

The council has a legal duty to protect children who may be vulnerable or at risk of harm. It tries to make early interventions to keep families together – but it will take children into care if necessary. 

One of the children it helped is Nina. 

She said: “Until last year, my life at home with my mum and dad wasn’t great. They used to fight and shout at each other all the time, which frightened me and made me want to leave home. 

“We began working with a social worker Katie, who helped my mum get support for her drinking and helped her get therapy. They worked with my nan to help me find a safe place to live if I was ever scared at home and they spoke with my dad to make sure I could still see him every week. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do that anymore. 

“Thanks to Katie, I don’t have to listen to my parents arguing anymore but I still get to see my dad. My mum has told me she’s going to keep getting help and I’ve noticed how much happier she is. I used to feel sad and lonely at home, but now I actually enjoy being with my family.” 

Melissa is a young mother of three who has also been helped. 

She said: “I have suffered with severe depression throughout my life. This has had a big impact on my role as a mum and has sometimes made me feel unable to give my kids the things they need. 

“Last year I was given support from the council’s Family service who worked with my kids’ schools to make sure they had uniforms, breakfast and lunch. They also helped me de-clutter my house and get financial support through local charities, as well as making sure I claimed the right benefits. My oldest child Lily is receiving support from a youth engagement worker and my family worker, Ben, introduced me to support groups and activities like arts and crafts and mindfulness. 

“I feel loads more in control of our home situation, and I can keep on top of daily things, like washing and making dinner. My mental health has really improved, I’ve become good friends with people from the support groups and my kids are going to school, which is amazing. I honestly don’t know where we’d be without the support.”