Norfolk County Council defends its use of consultants

But council leaders insist the millions spent to hire Newton Europe will reap rewards in the longer term, even though only about £1m of the £2m savings target was achieved in the first year.

The Conservative-controlled council agreed to bring in the consultants in January last year to act as strategic partners in a drive to change how adult social care is provided and save £55m over five years.

It was a controversial move, with opposition councillors not convinced it was the answer to the social care crisis in the county and parents of disabled people concerned at the effects it would have.

And, at a recent meeting of County Hall's cabinet, it emerged the department is having to play catch-up, having failed to achieve the targeted £2m savings.

Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Norfolk County Council (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at County Hall, asked: "What evidence can you currently provide that the use of expensive consultants is being vindicated, and is proving to be money well spent by the council?"

Alison Thomas, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for adult social care (Image: Archant)

Alison Thomas, cabinet member for adult social care, acknowledged there had been a shortfall in savings made so far.

She said nearly £1m savings had been made in 2022/23 against a plan of £2m, which she blamed on the programme starting later than had been originally scheduled.

READ MORE: Norfolk homes shortage causing social work recruitment woes

She said: "In the current year, based on our latest delivery profiles, we are expecting to catch up and have targeted £9.7m across all our changes this year.

"We are currently still on track to achieve the £18m recurrent saving in the future which will mean a cumulative £55m benefit over the first five years of the programme."

In February, the council agreed almost £60m in cuts and savings will be made across all departments in 2023/24.