News

Wakefield social services are not serving local people well and have uncertain prospects for improvement, a joint review by the Audit Commission and the Social Services Inspectorate reveals, writes Lauren Revans.

The report says the council has failed to develop its services due to its heavy reliance on providing them in-house at a high cost.

Services for people with disabilities were singled out as being particularly poor. Service development was also being hindered by poor information technology and financial management systems and staffing issues.

Joint review director John Bolton said that the council was not making the best use of its resources, and was failing many vulnerable people.

"What this review is suggesting is a total overhaul of the way services are provided," Bolton said. "Not only do they need to be more responsive to users needs, they should also be more cost effective."

The review team recommended that the council commission services more strategically according to the principles of Best Value, streamline management and procedures, and create incentives for change.

Council chief executive John Edwards said: "This report raises serious challenges and we must respond quickly and effectively. We will do so without shirking our responsibility to the people of this district. They must come first at all times."