ADULTS with learning disabilities could start to receive independent day support in groups rather than individually, new saving plans have revealed.

Budget papers published by Bracknell Forest Council last month indicate the authority would expect to save £250,000 over the next three years if this plan goes ahead.

Under the proposal, it is claimed an ‘increased provision of independent day support for people with learning disabilities’ would allow for more care to be provided ‘in a group setting rather than one-to-one’.

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When asked why the council was instigating this switch and if the authority envisaged any issues arising from the change, a spokesperson responded: “Any changes in provision will be directly linked to assessed needs under The Care Act.

“1-1 support, where not part of an assessed need, often results in a lack of opportunity to socialise with peers, to develop friendships and a sense of community.

“Long-term 1-1 support can also create dependency. Group support reduces or removes the above factors and promotes independence, relationship building, inclusion and resilience.”

The plan comes as part of council proposals to save more than £1.8 million in adult social care over the next three financial years.

It is hoped these savings will be made through greater use of technology to meet care needs, a review of high-cost care packages, updating the council’s choice and charging policy and more in addition to the day support for adults with learning disabilities.

In addition to planned savings in adult social care, BFC is also aiming to save £1 million over the next two years in children’s social care.

A spokesperson for the council said this saving is likely to be achieved through a transformation in children’s social care which will continue to facilitate the reduction in the number of children taken into care in Bracknell Forest.

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The transformation will involve a scheme to develop more foster carers so children “become more resilient to adolescence and more expensive placements are avoided.”

The spokesperson added: “The council has plans to work with foster carers, including a drive to recruit new carers, to ensure that more children who do need care can be looked after locally and within family settings.

“If anyone over 21 with a spare room is interested in knowing more about being a foster carer for Bracknell Forest Council please email: fostering@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.”

These savings were revealed as part of draft budget proposals published in December.

The papers showed Bracknell Forest Council bosses are planning to spend £89.4 million on their revenue budget in the 2021/2022 financial year.

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With £83.2 million in income expected for this period, the authority revealed a potential funding gap of £6.2 million.

Residents can have their say on the budget plans by heading to the council’s consultation page, which can be found here.

The consultation closes on Wednesday, January 27. Following this, revised budget plans will be published and voted on by the council in February.