Reduced budget doesn't have to mean reduced service.

In July this year, Channel 4 broadcast a programme about Tower Hamlets Council in the series called ‘Undercover Boss’.

In this edition, the Chief Executive Kevan Collins, went undercover to experience life at the coal face to develop his own understanding of whether services to the area could be improved whilst his Council’s budget was under threat of a £50million reduction.

The programme was fascinating, in particular, the meals on wheels service provided by the Council. Whilst working with one of his employees, Kevan established that services had already been affected by reduced budgets and were at high risk of yet more cuts due to budget cuts from Central Government.

The result was that yes, good, warm, nourishing meals are still being provided to older people living at home, but the length of visit and level of social interaction has decreased massively.

This is due to the fact that each meals on wheels delivery person now has many more meals to deliver every day, but within the same timescale.

Tower Hamlets are doing a fantastic job with limited resources which are going to come under increasing pressure. And it is highly likely that their situation is not unique.

Whether providing care directly into the home, meals on wheels or just social visits Home Calls are able to support you as an organisation, or individual, by making a guaranteed daily telephone call into the home.

To view this edition of Undercover Boss, click here.