Council chief worried over health cuts

THE leader of Derbyshire County Council says he is concerned at the impact cuts announced by health bosses could have on communities.

Councillor Barry Lewis said he is pleased health chiefs have decided not to make the full £1.2million cuts to voluntary sector groups they planned but the Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Groups’ decision to cut £475,000 will be putting some groups that help the most vulnerable at risk.

He said the council was looking at the details of the CCGS’ plans to determine what impact the cuts could have on organisations, some of which are also funded by the county council

“It looks as if they have listened to us and changed some of their plans, but we’re still concerned the cuts they’re going ahead with could have a detrimental impact on Derbyshire communities.”

Councillor Lewis said he was disappointed the CCGS had described some of the services they were no longer giving grants to – such as helping people get to health appointments – as not “core business”.

Ashbourne based Volunteer Services Peaks and Dales stands to lose around £100,000 of grant funding, which will have an effect on services such as the The Voluntary Car Scheme and a Home from Hospital service.