Concerns rise over potential privatisation of Bristol’s social care, amid scrutiny of firms’ profits and potential service quality impacts.
They will decide who provides residential care. Day services and community meals are also included. Labour councillors fear reduced accountability. They think companies might cut corners.
Social care companies often make big profits. The council will review the budget soon. The full council needs to approve it this month. The review will last two years. No decisions happened yet.
Labour’s Tim Rippington worries about privatization. He thinks it leads to worse service. His group stated this is concerning. Adult social care may change. An audit showed high profits in children’s care. The top 15 companies averaged 23% profit.
Elderly, disabled, and children’s care is costly. It takes a big part of the council budget. Cllr Rippington stated profit focus lowers standards. He believes companies must cut corners.
Bristol spends too much on services now. The council leader wants a fairer deal. Green Cllr Tony Dyer shares these worries. He wants similar service levels maintained. Private firms take too much profit, he explained.
The council wants a fairer deal for the services. Bristol pays more than other cities do. They will assess how to spend money better. The council wants better relationships. They seek firms understanding the financial issues. Greens urged Labour to lobby the government. They want to remove profit from children’s care. Wales is committed to this. The current UK Labour government is not yet.
