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12
Feb
Lib Dems call for £5 million funding for 'innovative interventions'
Liberal Democrats on Tory-run North Yorkshire Council are urging the authority to use £5 million from its reserves to fund “innovative intervention” schemes to reduce pressure on services.
Councillors have called for the authority to give officers funding to draw up prevention measures to deliver better outcomes for residents.
Examples given by the party include ensuring that children are school-ready through increased investment in family support or supporting people with mental health needs to access local community groups and services.
Coppice Valley and Duchy councillor, Peter Lacey, said:
We know that demand on vital services for our residents is increasing and that this need has to be met.
There is good evidence that by investing in innovative interventions now, ongoing demand can be reduced. In the medium term, investing now will reduce costs in the future and improve services.
Lib Dem leader Cllr Bryn Griffiths said:
The Lib Dems believe that by providing council officers with the resources to put forward innovative schemes, the long-term savings and improvement in services will be well worthwhile.
Council bosses say an increase in demand for services for children and young people and vulnerable adults is putting a huge strain on the authority’s finances.
Councillors are suggesting up to £5m would be set aside from council reserves for the selected schemes over the two years to March 2027.
They want to see new plans brought forward to the full council at its meeting in the autumn.
Lib Dems say the schemes would lead to a “marked payback in the medium and longer terms”.
The fund would apply to all age groups and should help to improve services and close the financial gap in the council’s mid-term financial strategy, the councillors say.
North Yorkshire Council is forecasting to hold £180.8m in reserves at the start of the next financial year, although officers estimate this could reduce to £66.4m by 2028.
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