“Tough choices” are on the horizon as Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) gathers views on how decision-makers should address a budget black hole.

A survey has been launched inviting people to share their perspectives on the pressures facing services and how the integration joint board (IJB) – responsible for oversight of the HSCP – should tackle the funding gap.

The chasm stands at an estimated £11.8 million for 2025/26 but could climb to as much as £34.9m the following year – a figure branded “terrifying” by an elected member.

By this time, the IJB is expected to have used up most of its reserves – money kept back to cover periods of financial difficulty – painting a troubling picture.

Christine Laverty, chief officer of the HSCP, said: “The budget gap we face will make things extremely challenging over the coming years.

“If we cannot deliver a balanced budget – and enter a period of financial recovery – we couldn’t guarantee delivery of the services we currently provide and would have to make decisions to cut costs quickly.

“I appreciate that none of us wants to be in this position. No one wants to face the tough choices that will have to be made for us to ensure our sustainability going forward.”

The HSCP has launched the first of two stages of its engagement activity. At this stage, it is asking people from across Renfrewshire to provide feedback on how the IJB can address the gap.

Ms Laverty added: “As we enter this new phase of engagement, I want to reassure people that all opinions are valued and will be considered as part of this process. So, please make time to let us know your views and share your ideas on how we can address our budget gap.”

Councillor Iain McMillan, a member of the IJB, stressed the importance of people contributing to the engagement process as he reflected on the size of the deficit.

“It’s a terrifying amount,” he said. “I’ve been involved with the IJB before and it was absolutely nothing like that. It’s an incredible amount of money.

“But, of course, although the money is eye-watering, what’s behind that is even more worrying – the actual cuts to services.

“The figure is so high and you think, what does it actually mean? But when you get down to the ground, it’s cutting services, it’s reducing services, it’s taking away services.

“I’m really trying to encourage people to take part in this survey. It’s important that they do.”

A survey will be available until Friday, October 25, and can be accessed online, with paper versions also available at various locations.

Alongside the survey, the HSCP will be hosting a series of focus groups with existing care planning group members.

Findings from this engagement will be collated, alongside saving ideas identified by HSCP staff, and brought to the IJB at its meeting in December.

With IJB members’ feedback, more detailed proposals to address the gap will be developed in early 2025.

If agreed at this point, the HSCP will undertake a second stage of engagement, based upon any specific proposals that are developed. Feedback from this stage will also be shared with the IJB to assist their decision-making.

For more information on the process visit renfrewshire.hscp.scot/IJBEngagement