Shropshire Council financial strategy, and NHS funding, on the agenda at Pontesbury LJC meeting

The public will have the chance to quiz Shropshire Council and NHS bosses at the next meeting of the Loton, Longden, Ford and Rea Valley Local Joint Committee (LJC) which is at Mary Webb School, Pontesbury on Thursday 21  April 2016 at 7pm.

Malcolm Pate, Leader of Shropshire Council, will be speaking about the challenging financial strategy the council has to deliver, and what the potential impacts of cuts to services might be in the LJC area. He will be also be asking parish councils in the area for their views on services in the area, and how they might play a role in delivering services in the future.

Debbie Vogler, from the NHS Future Fit Programme, will also be at the meeting to update the LJC on the Future Fit programme. Like Shropshire Council, Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has a challenging budget to work with, as well as deciding on where the county’s hospitals and emergency centres should be located. The presentation will be an opportunity to find out how their plans are progressing.

The public have an opportunity to ask the speakers questions during the meeting.

Roger Evans, Chairman of the LJC, said:-

“Shropshire Council is facing some difficult financial times next year. Some services will not be affordable. The LJC is a chance for local residents to question the Leader.

“The recent news from the CCG is that they need to reduce costs. How they are going to do this? Shutting down one A&E department, reducing community beds, and transferring more services to GPs. My hope is that residents will get answers to the many questions they have. Please try and come, it is your meeting and your chance to ask the questions you want answering.”