The Community Brokerage Network (CBN) has published its full response to North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Phase 2 consultation on delivering social care services within budget.
We brought together disabled people, unpaid carers, and family members from across North Ayrshire to inform this response. Many told us they felt overwhelmed by the scale of the proposals and concerned that reductions are being presented as inevitable, rather than meaningful alternatives being explored.
Phase 2 outlines specific proposals, including:
- Restricting funded support to those at critical risk only
- Funding only the lowest-cost options for meeting assessed needs
- Prioritising personal care over wider supports such as domestic help, community access, day services and respite
These proposals come at a time when many people are already struggling to maintain their current support.
What we heard
The strongest message from the focus group was fear – grounded in lived experience:
- Fear of losing preventative support and being pushed into crisis
- Fear of carers reaching breaking point
- Fear of losing meaningful choice and control
- Fear that cost is becoming the primary driver of decisions
Many participants approached CBN only after support had already been reduced or withdrawn. A number described living close to the edge of sustainability.
Although no final decisions have been announced, the consultation sits alongside a significant budget shortfall. In earlier engagement sessions, the potential impact was described as “catastrophic,” a word that resonated deeply.
There was also concern that this consultation ran separately from the wider council budget consultation, raising questions about overall spending priorities.
Key themes raised
Support is preventative, not optional
Participants were clear that so-called “non-personal care” support is often what prevent deterioration.
Domestic support, shopping, food preparation, day services, community access and respite all help maintain health, stability and independence. Removing them does not remove need, it increases risk.
Many referenced the pandemic period, when withdrawal of community supports led to significant and lasting harm.
Waiting until “critical risk” may be too late
Raising eligibility to critical risk only was strongly opposed.
With existing assessment delays, waiting until someone reaches crisis point could lead to hospital admission, carer breakdown or serious harm. Early intervention was viewed not as an added cost, but as protection against greater long-term impact.
Choice and control must be real
Funding only the lowest-cost options raised concerns about a two-tier system.
If people must top up care where provider rates exceed framework rates, only those with financial means retain genuine choice. Others may be left without viable options.
Participants also questioned whether the lowest-cost option represents best long-term value, particularly if it undermines independence or stability. Decisions about residential care, in particular, cannot be reduced to cost comparisons alone.
Unpaid carers are central
Across all proposals, the pressure on unpaid carers was a consistent theme.
Many described disrupted sleep, reduced income and declining mental health. Further reductions would have serious consequences for carers and for the people they support.
Prevention, fairness and transparency
Participants called for:
- Protection of preventative support
- Transparent and consistent “best value” decisions
- Flexibility in how budgets are used
- Recognition of long-term outcomes
- Alignment with Self-Directed Support principles
There is a strong desire to be part of sustainable solutions, but deep concern that those most reliant on support may carry the greatest burden.
Our full response
This submission reflects the lived experience of at least 30 unpaid carers and 21 supported people across North Ayrshire. Not everyone was able to attend due to caring responsibilities, highlighting the barriers many face in being heard.
Read or download the full consultation response here:
Click here
The consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
Please share this page widely. If you need support to understand the consultation or explore your options, CBN is here to help.
