Agenda and minutes

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

 

Cllr Charlotte Galsworthy:    Proposal to Externally Commission Payroll, Managed Account and Suitable Person Services Report, re: Direct Payments as she is a Personal Assistant for her mother under the Direct Payments scheme.

Members thanked Officers for the information they received in relation to Rapid Adaptation Grants.

 

Members queried whether a response had been received from Officers in relation to the question raised regarding the Third Sector Figures. Officers stated they would look into the matter further and circulate a response to the Committee.

 

3.1    Welfare Rights Overview

 

The Committee received information in relation to the Welfare Rights Overview as contained within the circulated report.

 

Members asked how the unit is advertised. Officers explained that they attended Council meetings and spoke to different people about the unit.

 

In relation to grant funding, Members asked if the Department of Works and Pensions contributed to anything. Officers explained financially that they didn’t, but they always got involved with the team; however this would stop after April 2019. Officers explained that the team currently had five Members of staff who were funded by the Council and seven who were grant funded.

 

In relation to Case study A, Members asked were the figures being looked at with regards to Direct Payments and what effect was this having. Officers explained they were gathering this information and would be looked at next year.

 

Members queried what the pathway was for young people wanting to make a claim. Officers explained there was always a way that young people could make a claim, parents were able to gage with them which would enable them to further the process. 

 

Members congratulated the Welfare Rights Unit and highlighted the fantastic job they were doing.

 

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

 

Members highlighted to Officers if an item was removed from the Forward Work Programme that Members would like to know in advance.

 

Members asked why the Adult Safeguarding and Quality Assurance hadn’t been brought to the meeting in October. Officers explained this would be brought back in November.

 

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

 

5.1   Western Bay Safeguarding Boards Annual Report 2017-2018

 

The Committee received information in relation to the Western Bay Safeguarding Boards Annual Report 2017-2018 as contained within the circulated report.

 

Members reminded Officers about the concerns they had with the grammar in reports.

 

On the table 1.2, Officers highlighted The Performance Framework remained under review to identify a more sophisticated set of performance data requests. Members asked what did this mean and in which way would this be modified. Officers explained they would come back with specific details.

 

Officers highlighted that 1.3 and 2.2 in relation to Welsh Government contradict each other and would like clarity on this. Officers explained they would e-mail this information to Members.

 

Members highlighted the delays in Welsh Government and asked Officers what was the outcome and what impact had this had. Officers explained Child Sexual Exploitation and Welsh Government Group were being looked at, all the information would be collated and the results would come back soon.

 

In relation to 3.2a – Timescales, Members queried if they could have feedback on what the timescale was.

 

Members asked who was responsible for Disclosure and Barring Service on all staff, and was there consistency across all departments. Officers explained that HR oversaw this.

 

Members asked what the abbreviation PRAMS stood for. Officer’s explained this is was Health Visitor Service.

 

Members asked what training was given to all agencies and staff. Officers explained they were prioritising training and would bring the information back to Members.

 

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

 

 

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 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

7.1    Proposal to Externally Commission Payroll, Managed Account and Suitable Person Services

 

          The Committee received information in relation to the Proposal to Externally Commission Payroll, Managed Account and Suitable Person Services as contained within the circulated report.

 

          Members asked if this option could be done in house. Officers explained that this option had been looked at, but it looked as if they were the employer and it would be an issue with Payroll.

 

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

 

7.2    The Manager’s Report on Hillside Secure Children’s Home

 

          The Committee received information in relation to the Manager’s Report on Hillside Secure Children’s Home as contained within the circulated report.

 

          Members gave their congratulations to the staff at Hillside for doing a brilliant job. Members highlighted they were pleased to see a young person sitting his GCSE in English. Members were also pleased with the reduced sickness levels and that Hillside had no agency staff.

         

          In relation to the holidays, Members asked what the children did for the six weeks. Officers explained they only had two weeks off, therefore there were activities arranged for four weeks and there was a rota set out which the children followed.

 

          Members asked if supervision was for the children or the staff. Officers explained this was for the staff.

 

Members asked what the abbreviation SALT stood for. Officers explained this stood for Speech and Language Therapy.

 

Members asked what the digital buzzer system was used for. Officers explained this was for the children to call the staff if they are needed.

 

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

 

7.3    The Children’s Home (Wales) Regulations 2002.

         

          The Committee received information in relation to the Children’s Home (Wales) Regulations 2002 as contained within the circulated report.

 

          Members highlighted that young people felt as though they were punished by having boxing cancelled because of the lack of staff to supervise. Officers explained they had to stop the activity because of the risks; and Hillside had also lost a lot of experienced staff very quickly.

 

          Members asked how the young people managed with nicotine withdrawal. Officers explained that the children were monitored. Officers added that there was a GP practice there and that a nurse came to visit.

 

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

         

 

 

CHAIRPERSON