Controversial plans by Bath and North East Somerset Council to cut social work staff are raising alarms that foster carers will be forced to leave, deepening an already critical shortage. Two foster carers spoke at the full council meeting on March 19, expressing grave concerns over the council’s restructuring of children’s services.
“We already don’t have enough foster carers for the children in our care. The government is pushing recruitment because there’s a national crisis,” one carer stated, “and yet here, local changes seem to be driving carers away.” The council’s proposed restructure puts five staff at risk of redundancy, with many more roles being deleted or altered, requiring current social workers to reapply for new positions.
Support from the Alternative Care team, especially supervising social workers, is vital to foster carers. They provide crucial guidance during emergencies and moments of struggle. One carer emphasized, “Removing managers from this team dismantles the essential support system that keeps foster carers safe. Without it, carers will leave.”
Another carer highlighted the value of supportive relationships with social workers. “They care not only about the child but about me, my family, and my wider support network. Building trust and stability takes time.” She called for genuine consultation with foster carers and children in care before any changes.
Council leader Kevin Guy invited the carers to meet with senior staff and cabinet members, showing willingness to engage. A council spokesperson affirmed their commitment to listen to foster carers and children during the ongoing consultation to shape future service designs.
The restructure is influenced by the government’s “families first” reforms, aiming to create multi-disciplinary family help teams to reduce changes in social workers for families. However, many social workers warn that these changes will actually reduce their ability to provide critical early intervention and foster carer support.
The Labour opposition demands the process be halted and restarted to fully involve staff. Labour leader Robin Moss said, “Staff want the process to begin again. We agree. There’s time to pause, reconsider, and bring everyone on board.”
The meeting occurred amidst a large social workers’ protest outside the Guildhall, organized by Unison, highlighting widespread opposition to the plans. Additionally, 28 team and deputy managers staged strike action over pay grading issues. A Unison spokesperson remarked on the passionate and determined atmosphere, crediting foster carers’ heartfelt testimonies for strengthening community support.