Agenda and minutes

The following Members made a declaration of Interest at the commencement of the meeting:

Cllr C Edwards:           As she is a member of the Neath Port Talbot Community Health Council

Cllr C Galsworthy:       As she is a Personal Assistant for her Mother under the Direct Payments scheme.

Cllr S Freeguard:        As she is a member of the Neath Port Talbot Community Health Council

Cllr O Davies:              As his daughter is a carer in a Local Care Home.

Cllr A McGrath:           Private report of the Director of Social Services Health & Housing re: Provision of Educational Services at Hillside as he is a governor of Cefn Season Comprehensive School.

The Committee noted the Minutes.

The Committee received a Presentation on the Asset Based   Approach.

Members asked if it was possible to hold multi agency surgeries in local hubs. Officer explained that pilots are ongoing and partner agencies such as Health and the Police are working with the Council to develop the idea. Members asked if any local hubs have been identified and discussed the possible usage of existing buildings in communities such as libraries and centres. It was noted that Local Area Co-ordinators do not have a fixed base and work throughout the community.

Members were pleased to note the ongoing work with other directorates on the Asset Based Approach and agreed a Council wide approach is required.

Members asked if the phrase ‘Co-Production’ could be reconsidered.

Members thanked Officers for the presentation and were overall very supportive of the Asset Based Approach and looked forward to receiving continual updates as the approach progresses.

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

4.1    Western Bay Pooled Fund for Care Homes Options Paper

The Committee received information in relation to the Western Bay Pooled Fund for Care Homes as contained within the circulated report.

Members asked for clarification on the term ‘cross-subsidisation’ and were informed that it is basically a legal process whereby Neath Port Talbot tax payers’ money does not integrate into other Local Authority areas.

Members were concerned that the report included different opinions and views from AM’s and the Welsh Government but were informed that there had been ongoing negotiations and that views have progressed and developed and Members were pleased to note that the Minister was now in agreement with the proposal at this stage.

The Committee discussed the potential situation of Bridgend leaving the Health Board area and the impact that this could have. Members noted that it would have an effect on market balance and commissioning priorities but it was noted that if Bridgend do withdraw there will be no risk to the financial position of the Council in relation to the option recommended in this report.

Members asked for clarification on the statement that ‘…initially the pooled fund will not apply to placements made under s117 or in relation to care home services specialising in functional mental health where older persons may reside.’ Officers stated that they will circulate an explanation to Members.

Members asked for clarification on the abbreviations FNC and CHC. Officers explained FNC is Funded Nursing Care and CHC is Community Health Care. Members were concerned about the repetition of abbreviations (such as LAC standing for both Local Area Coordinator and Looked after Children).

Members asked for an update on the creation of a common contract to standardise contract terms and conditions across the four organisations which was scheduled for completion by April 2018. Officers explained work was still ongoing but the contract is nearing completion.

The Committee noted the plan to create a shared methodology but not a shared rate and asked if the difference in rates would reflect local differences in need. It was explained that the methodology is agreed with providers as to how to set and agree rates and that fees are different to reflect geographic differences.

Members noted that the Council must reach a position of compliance and that the option presented in the report allows the Council to cooperate with the requirements set out.

Members stated that in the assessment chart for the options set out for consideration in the report no option provided optimum results. It was noted that evaluation would be ongoing in partnership with Welsh Government as the project progresses.

Members noted the positive aspects of pooled budgets such as aligned commissioning and freeing up of budgets.

Following scrutiny, the committee were supportive of the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.

4.3    Update on the Commissioning Strategy for Care Homes for Older People: Neath Port Talbot Implementation Plan 2016/2019 and the Older Persons Residential  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Resolved:          that pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded for the following items of business which involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 and 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

6.1    Provision of Educational Services at Hillside

The Committee received information in relation to Educational Services at Hillside as contained within the circulated report.

Officers notified Members the report was an item for information not decision as stated in the report.

Officers gave further information in relation to the ‘Charlie Taylor’ review which is an investigation as to how education is delivered within the Youth Justice Sector.

Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be noted.