I thought it would be helpful to explain the relationship between Barnet Council and YCB, as we are learning that many parents, carers, service users and other people are still confused about this;

  • YCB is part of The Barnet Group, a Local Authority Trading Company, which is owned by Barnet Council
  • YCB’s only shareholder is the council. Any profits we make are reinvested into our services or paid to the council
  • YCB is a private company and is treated the same as any other provider of care and support in Barnet
  • we provide care and support services and have a contract with the council to do this. It is called a framework agreement and other providers are also on this framework agreement
  • if we cannot provide value-for-money services, the council could award the contract to another service provider who can
  • Barnet Council’s social workers assess people’s needs and decide the level of care and support they need. We do not carry out these assessments
  • YCB then provides the services required to meet people’s needs
  • we will support or advocate for our service users if we feel that they should receive extra hours, but we do not make the final decision on this. This is made by the council.

 

Some frequently asked questions and answers:

Q1:  Who do I speak to if I have queries about the assessment of need?

A:  You should speak to your social worker at the council or the duty desk at the Learning Disabilities Service at the council.  You can telephone, write in or email and you’ll find all contact details on the council’s website.

Q2:  Who do I speak to if I am unhappy with the service being delivered?

A:  You should speak to the manager at your YCB service. If you are still not happy then you should speak to Head of Care and Support. You can also speak to social services.

Q3:  I need a copy of my assessed need as I don’t agree with the number of hours I have been assessed as needing. Who can help me?

A:  You should already have a copy, but if you don’t then your social worker or the Learning Disabilities duty desk at the council or the manager at your YCB service will provide you with a copy. YCB can speak up for you if you feel that you don’t have enough hours to meet your needs. The final decision, however, rests with the council.

 

I hope you find this summary useful, but if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Tracey Lees

Chief Executive of The Barnet Group