Self-help for elderly raises job fears

At least five jobs are to go and many more workers will see their roles change significantly according to the council's social care director Jonathan Phillips.

In a report to councillors Mr Phillips says there is a general feeling that some reductions in staff are unavoidable but concern that workloads will not reduce and there will be a loss of experience and capacity.

The situation has been exacerbated by the decision to make savings in the 24m budget by not permanently filling vacant posts.

Calderdale has been introducing personal budgets allowing clients to buy their own care services from any source which suits them.

Mr Phillips said: ''The principle is to enable people to have greater control over the services they receive.

"We are on track to achieve the target of having 30 per cent of eligible service users on personal budgets by April.''

Councillors will meet tomorrow to decide whether to press ahead with the changes.