Dumfries and Galloway Council has agreed that £2.4 million of existing recovery funding can be used to offset the Integration Joint Board’s projected overspend and reduce the further savings required this financial year.
At a special meeting of Full Council today (Monday 2 November), councillors considered the difficulties facing people waiting for care, their families and unpaid carers, alongside the pressures on hospital and community services.
Councillors agreed that the remaining balance of the Financial Recovery Fund should be used to offset current budget pressures and reduce the further in-year savings required by the IJB.
The council established the Financial Recovery Fund as part of its 2026/27 budget, providing the IJB with an additional £2.8 million in recurring funding. The fund was created to resource delivery of the IJB’s agreed savings plan, support preventative changes and cover delays or shortfalls in achieving planned savings.
Around £2.4 million remains uncommitted in 2026/27. Using it to offset the projected overspend will reduce the additional savings the IJB needs to make this year. It is not a new funding allocation or additional money for care provision.
The report describes significant pressures on people awaiting support, including risks to their health, independence and wellbeing, and increasing demands on unpaid carers. Limited care capacity also means some people remain in hospital after they are ready to leave.
Councillor Tracey Little, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said:
“People waiting for care need support that helps them stay safe and maintain their independence. Delays affect them, their families and unpaid carers, as well as putting pressure on other health and care services.
“Using the available recovery funding will reduce the IJB’s projected overspend and the further savings it needs to make this year. It will not provide additional care capacity or resolve the wider challenges facing social care.
“We remain committed to working with the NHS and Health and Social Care Partnership to help people receive the right care in the right setting, including supporting safe and timely discharge from hospital.
“These pressures need a response across the whole system. We will continue to make the case for additional Scottish Government support, while recognising the demands on other essential council services.”
The IJB plans and oversees integrated health and social care services in Dumfries and Galloway. The council and NHS Board each delegate specific responsibilities and funding to it.
The IJB is responsible for planning within that combined budget and overseeing delivery through the Health and Social Care Partnership.
Adult social care provision includes services delivered by council teams and care purchased from external providers. The council’s social work, care and support, housing and community-based teams work with partners to help people maintain their independence and avoid unnecessary stays in hospital.
The report recognises that funding alone cannot resolve shortages of staff or available care. It also makes clear that oversight and risk management cannot remove all the risks facing people whose care needs are not being met.
Members agreed that the council should continue pressing the Scottish Government for additional adult social care funding for the region. Longer-term funding requirements will also be considered through the forthcoming council budget process.