CHIP+ statement on future funding (4th April 2018)

We have not yet received a formal update from Highland Council regarding the future of CHIP+ funding, however new information has come to light which we feel it is important to share with you.

In February 2018 we were informed our service funding may be impacted by Highland Council's ongoing Redesign process. The Council is reviewing how they commission children's services, seeking efficiencies where possible.

In March 2018 we received further communication stating the proposals are expected to be presented to Highland Council's Redesign Board in April 2018, with a view to then being presented to Highland Council Members for consideration.

We have recently had sight of a document detailing proposals, which could impact almost 30 third sector providers (charities) supporting families in Highland. These include services for looked after children and young people, those with additional support needs, Carers' support, childcare provision and information, advice and advocacy services. Options being considered include in-sourcing (Highland Council would provide services currently provided by charities); re-procurement (putting the service out to tender for competitive bidding); stopping or reducing funding for the service; and creating an arms-length organisation (similar to Highlife Highland) to provide services.

For CHIP+, the proposal notes a 25% cut to our funding in year 1 with a view to then going down the route of re-procurement. Highland Council would put together a service specification (including those services currently provided by CHIP+) and a competitive bidding process would take place. Until we have sight of a service specification we do not know if CHIP+ would be in a position to bid for the contract, therefore our service is at significant risk.

We recognise the need for Highland Council to reduce its spending and know there have been dramatic cuts across the public sector which have had a significant impact on children and families. Redesign may be needed, but ifdecisions are taken without consultation and information gathering,the opportunity to get people to work together to deliver best value for children and families may be missed.

Highland Third Sector Interface have written a letter to Alan Maguire(leading on the Redesign of commissioned children's services) on behalf of the third sector providers (charities) affected, detailing our collective concerns. CHIP+ will also be writing to Councillors independently to highlight our concerns about these proposals.

Key concerns include:

  • Lack of engagement with service providers, like CHIP+, about how the Re-design process works, how it will impact on the families we support and our future funding.
  • Lack of engagement with service users, including parent-carers and children and young people with additional support needs, about the needs of families in Highland.
  • Decisions being made without a full understanding of the current context, including existing service provision and the wider benefits the third sector brings including value for money, attracting additional funding, creation of employment and volunteering opportunities.

We have been supporting families in Highland for 25 years and provide a lifeline for families with children and young people with additional support needs. When asked about CHIP+ one parent-carer said "If it wasn't for CHIP+ this ship would have sank a long time ago". For us, the voices of our parent-carers are the most powerful.

At present we have been asked to continue to deliver our services as currently commissioned. We are here to support families with children and young people who have ASNs and are currently keeping our limited resources focused on providing this much needed support.

Once again we wish to thank you for your messages of support in these uncertain times.