The Council is currently consulting on proposals to develop a more flexible approach to supporting the users with the aim of significantly reducing £1.37 million annual budget.

A substantial investment in the vehicle fleet is also needed over the next twelve months if the current standards are to be maintained.

Councillor Keith Holloway, Executive Member for Adult Care Services, said: “The Council is faced with an unprecedented savings requirement of around £36m by 2017 and therefore has some very difficult decisions to make.

“The delivery of social care services is changing. We are enabling people to plan, arrange and pay for tailored care and support using a personal budget in line with their needs, preferences and individual circumstances. Currently, the assisted transport service is modelled on group transport and doesn’t offer much individual flexibility.  We hope to make savings by re-designing the way in which this travel assistance is provided.

“No final decision has been made and all views and comments are welcome and valued, and will be taken into account. I believe that it is important to listen to people affected by the proposed changes to identify any concerns or issues and understand the impact it may have,” Cllr Holloway added.

A consultation questionnaire has been sent to all service users, focus groups have been arranged, and an event for independent providers of day care support will be held.

The questionnaire is also available on the Council website at www.stockport.gov.uk/haveyoursay

The consultation runs until 10th December, and all feedback will be taken into account before a final decision is made.

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