Future is 'bleak' for some projects (From Witney Gazette)

Future is 'bleak' for some projects

3:14pm Thursday 2nd March 2006 in Witney By Giles Sheldrick

A PUBLIC spending watchdog has awarded two out of a possible three stars to a programme administering cash to Oxfordshire's elderly and vulnerable.

The county's Supporting People programme, which features representatives from the county, district and parish councils, funds some 450 projects, helping 11,200 people, including the homeless and those living with illnesses and learning difficulties.

Money is given to Oxfordshire from the Government, and a commissioning body decides how best this is spent.

A recent inspection by the Audit Commission found the delivery of the programme was 'good', with a 'promising prospect of improvement'.

However, the vote of confidence comes at a time when councillors have warned of a 'bleak future' for projects supported by the grant money.

A revised funding formula means Oxfordshire's share of the cash will reduce dramatically over the next few years and that could spell widespread cuts to projects.

"Next year's budget is going to be as tough as this one, because I can't see there being any spare money to put into the supporting people programme — there just isn't any."

Don Seale, cabinet member for social and community services

In 2004/05, the county got £21m, but this year it received £19.7m, and next year will get £19m.

And some calculations have estimated the money will shrink to £8m in 2011.

One project under threat is the Banbury Young Homeless Project, which helps vulnerable youngsters in Cherwell and West Oxfordshire.

County councillor Don Seale, cabinet member for social and community services, said: "It's ironic that the Government made us a beacon council, so we thought we deserved three stars.

"It's also ironic because we are going to suffer cuts, but the award of two stars is an acknowledgement of how we are handling the business of cuts.

"We are protesting to the Government for a special dispensation because we think we are being hard done by.

"This year, we will be making proposals to cut back some of the plans we had a lot of things we were planning to do we will not be able to be done.

"Next year's budget is going to be as tough as this one, because I can't see there being any spare money to put into the supporting people programme there just isn't any."