Wandsworth Council to outsource care service, staff face job losses

Wandsworth Council has agreed to close its in-house reablement service, Keep Independent Through Enablement (KITE), and outsource all such support to commissioned providers. The decision, made at a council cabinet meeting on Monday, October 12, is expected to save the authority an estimated £1.2 million each year. The move will result in all KITE staff losing their jobs.

The KITE service provides short-term support to help residents live independently in their own homes. Currently, around 80 per cent of reablement services in Wandsworth are already delivered by commissioned providers. The council stated that moving to a fully commissioned model will improve reliability and consistency of care.

Staff concerns and union response

Affected staff, including KITE employee Agnes, expressed concern about job security during the cabinet meeting. Agnes highlighted the team's frontline work during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating they were the only in-house social services team caring for people in their homes at significant personal risk. She also noted the current high cost of living and recent council tax increases.

A representative from the GMB union warned of potential strike action if the council proceeded with the plans. The union official stated that the council had not adequately justified the decision to cut the KITE team and invited the council leader to discuss alternatives. The union is prepared to ballot members for industrial action if no resolution is found.

Conservative councillor Daniel Ghossain, cabinet member for health, acknowledged the KITE team as hardworking and valued staff who had performed well in difficult circumstances. He stated the decision was not made lightly and that plans were initially drawn up when the authority was run by Labour. Councillor Ghossain added that the council is offering a comprehensive support package to affected employees.

Council officers' reports indicated that commissioned providers are cheaper and of a similar quality to the in-house KITE service. The hourly cost for commissioned providers is approximately £25, compared to £148 for KITE. All commissioned providers are rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Next steps

The council cabinet has agreed to close KITE and implement the fully commissioned model. Wandsworth Council will now consult with affected staff and trade unions regarding the changes. The authority aims to transition to the new model by April.