Agenda and minutes

The following Member made a declaration of interest at the commencement of the meeting:

Cllr Sonia Reynolds:             4^th Quarter Performance Report, Report of the Head of Commissioning, Support and Services re: Homelessness, as she is a Board Member of Tai Tarian, Social Landlord.

Cllr Charlotte Galsworthy:    4th Quarter Performance Report, Report of the Head of Commissioning and Support Services re: Direct Payments as she is a Personal Assistant for her mother under the Direct Payments scheme.

The Committee noted the minutes.

The Committee scrutinised the following items:

Cabinet Board Proposals

3.1 Young Carers Strategy Annual Year 1

The Committee received information in relation to the Young Carers Strategy Annual Year 1 as contained within the report.

Members referred to the Young Carers Strategy and queried whether there was any data available which could give percentage figures of the attendance at the focus groups. Officers explained that they did not have the information to hand, but would circulate it to the Committee outside the meeting.

Members queried what the golden thread system was. Officers informed Members that this was a phrase used to describe how something was tracked from conception to its end.

Members questioned if there was any extra help that could be offered to young carers whilst they were undertaking their exams. Officers stated that this was something that was being looked at. Officers informed Members that the education establishments would refer pupils into the service where a lesson plan would be developed with individuals. Officers explained that a pilot was due to begin in September for first year and GCSE year pupils, with the intention of rolling it out to all years eventually.

Members questioned whether it was possible to have performance data in relation young carers on a quarterly basis. Officers agreed to provide the information on a quarterly basis.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

3.2 Occupation of 36 Forge Road by Dyffryn Children’s Community Team.

The Committee received information on the Occupation of 36 Forge Road by Dyffryn Children’s Community Team as contained within the circulated report.

Members questioned how long was the lease for and how often would it be reviewed. Officers explained that the lease states until 2020 and would be reviewed annually.

Members queried whether staff had full use of the facility. Officers confirmed that this was the case.

Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the proposal to be considered at Cabinet Board.

3.3 – Quarterly Performance Management Data 2017/18 - Quarter 4

Performance (1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018) – (Adults)

The Committee received information in relation to Quarterly Performance Management Data 2017/18 Quarter 4

Performance (1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018) (Adults) as contained within the circulated report.

Members queried with regards to homelessness, and whether changes to Universal Credit was having a detrimental effect on this. Officers explained that this was having a negative effect as the dynamics had changed. Officers explained that private sector landlords were reluctant to wait five weeks for Universal Credit as they preferred to receive rent money sooner. Members queried what was being done to address the matter. Officers stated that they were currently working with Housing Benefits, Department of Works and Pensions and they had a member of staff based in the job centre to provide advice. Officers explained that these were long term issues. 

Members referred to HOS/003 and HOS/005 on p.41 where the number of households for which homelessness was successfully relieved, and stated that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

5.1    Hillside Managers Report

The Committee received information in relation to the Hillside Managers as circulated in the report.

Members mentioned the acronyms that were being used in the reports, Officers apologised stated that they would take the suggestion on board in future.

Members referred to the member of staff in the report who was currently on suspension, and queried how long had period of suspension lasted. Officers explained that the suspension was ongoing but was nearing completion. Members queried whether a dedicated officer had been allocated to the case. Officers explained that due to capacity issues this had not been possible.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

The Committee wished the NHS a Happy 70th Birthday.