Agenda and minutes

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

Cllr Sonia Reynolds:             Neath Port Talbot Homelessness Strategy 2018- 22 – Report of the Head of Adult Services re: Homelessness, as she is a Board Member of Tai Tarian, Social Landlord.

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th November 2018.

Members queried whether a response had been received from Officers in relation to data and timescales regarding Autism, and information in relation to Crisis support for young people. Officers stated they would get a response to the Committee as soon as possible. .

The Committee noted the minutes.

The Committee scrutinised the following items:

Cabinet Board Proposals

3.1    Children and Young People & Adult Services – 2^nd Quarter (2018-19) Performance Report

The Committee received information in relation to the Children and Young People & Adult Services – 2^nd Quarter (2018 – 19) Performance Report as contained within the circulated report.

In relation to the percentage of child assessments, Members were concerned that it stated 91% but the target showed 98%. Officers explained there a working group had been set up, which met weekly to address issues around this performance and there has already been an improvement since.

In relation to the Corporate Performance Management System (CPMS), Members suggested that the targets shouldn’t be set on the system. Officers stated they were working with the corporate centre and hopefully would have some flexibility to update the targets as appropriate.  

Members raised queries in relation to indicators CP/048 and CP/050, and requested a further explanation on the performance in this area. Officers explained it was the inability to find carers in certain areas, and that there was a shortage of carers generally. Officers added that availability of carers during the winter period also put pressure in the service.

Members questioned if carers’ assessments were refused by carers throughout the year. Officers explained that carers’ assessments could be refused throughout the year. Officers stated that they were encouraged and offered numerous times, but carers didn’t see themselves as carers when they care for family members.

Members queried why there was a drop in performance with regards to unqualified workers receiving supervision within 28 days. Officers stated that of the 32 unqualified workers due Supervision in October 2018, 28 of them had supervision within 28 days. Officers added that for the remaining 4 unqualified workers, supervision had taken place albeit just outside the expected 28 day window.

In relation to the Summary of Agency Staff and Vacancies across the Service, Members queried why there was an increase of vacancies. Officers informed the committee there were currently a number of vacancies; however interviews were scheduled to fill the positions. Members welcomed the addition of agency staff workers.

In relation to Direct Payments, Members queried what was being done to reduce timescales. Officers explained that the data wasn’t accurate and officers would circulate the information to Members.

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

3.2    Neath Port Talbot Homelessness Strategy 2018-22

The Committee received information in relation to the Neath Port Talbot Homelessness Strategy 2018-22 as contained within the circulated report.

Members raised a query in relation to the multiagency approach, and questioned whether Officers were confident that the Mental Health Services were going to work. Officers explained that they were very confident with this and had received positive feedback from stakeholders. Members queried whether housing associations had been engaged during the process. Officers explained that they came to the multi-agency day, and provided positive and useful feedback.

Members highlighted that the number of homeless households had risen by 21%. Officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

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.

6.1    Adult Services Resources Panel

The Committee received information in relation to the Children and Young People & Adult Services – 2^nd Quarter (2018 – 19) Performance Report as contained within the circulated report.

Members thanked Officers for bringing the case studies to the Committee.

Members questioned how many appeals were received on a weekly basis. Officers informed the Committee that approximately 30 appeals were sent through and the panel took place every Tuesday. Officers mentioned to Members that they were welcome to attend the panels.

Members questioned what happened to a person if there were no family involved. Officers explained the hospital would refer them to a Social Worker who would liaise with the ward staff, which would result in an assessment being carried out. Officers stated that those determined as having no capacity to make informed choices would be allocated an advocate to assist them. Officers explained that the advocate would convey the person’s wishes. Officers added that the advocate would give them support if they wanted to return home, but if the needs weren’t met, then a care home placement would be looked at.

Members referred to the relevant performance indicators on this topic, and stated that no information was recorded in relation to advocacy. Officers commented that this information was not currently being recorded, but this would be reviewed.

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