^{The Guildhall, Bath. Image credit: Bath & North East Somerset Council.} 

Key services providing support to people with social care needs and learning disabilities have been brought under the direct control of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Following a cabinet decision in May 2022 to not extend the contract with HCRG Care Group, the council has worked with HCRG Care Group to transfer these services to the council from 1 April.

The move sees over 200 employees transfer from HCRG Care Group to the council. They will continue to deliver the same social care services to adults in Bath and North East Somerset that they are currently providing.

The services transferred also include supported living and specialist social work services for adults, including autism care and hearing and vision support.

As part of the move, day services – provided at Carrswood in Twerton and Connections in Radstock - will also come across to the council, along with associated transport provision.

These services provide opportunities for adults who have a learning disability to learn new skills, gain confidence and participate in a range of activities. 

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “Our priority has always been to provide the highest quality care and help people to live happy, independent and fulfilling lives within their communities for as long as possible.

She added that the move has brought the council in line with the majority of others and will "ensure that [they] are effectively managing staffing levels to meet residents’ needs, also helping to improve recruitment in a highly competitive job market."

She said: "It will ensure that services offer value for money, are robust and ultimately protect vulnerable people while enabling them to live the best life they can."

People will also continue to receive access to specialist support including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and psychology.

The council will also continue to offer a first response team acting as the first point of contact for people who need to access care. 

The Shared Lives Scheme, which links residents who need support with carers in their community will also now be run by the council, as will a vocational hub to help people with additional needs to access voluntary and paid employment.