Windsor and Maidenhead council is staring into a financial abyss unless immediate action is taken to address a black hole in its balance sheet. Increased costs caused by inflation, rising interest rates and pressures on the social care budget, had all contributed to the dire financial position. However, there was an acknowledgment that growing adult social care costs were a significant driver behind the council’s financial position. Mr McDaniel also pointed to increases in the number of care staff employed as agency staff which was ‘without a shadow of a doubt’ a contributing factor. To alleviate the financial pressures, chief executive Stephen Evans unveiled an action plan comprising of cost-cutting measures including reducing reliance on agency staff and renegotiating contracts.

Source: Express September 29, 2023 10:01 UTC