Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
7.1 Homecare Service – CSSIW Inspection
Report
Members
considered a report that was the outcome of the CSSIW inspection of the in
house Homecare service undertaken in 2016.
Members
welcomed the report and the positive assessment made by CSSIW. They asked
whether CSSIW undertake similar inspections with private sector providers.
Officers confirmed that the inspections are the same.
Following
scrutiny the report was noted.
7.2 Pre-Paid Cards to Support Direct Payments
Members
considered a report that sought to change the provider of the Pre-Paid Cards.
Members
asked who would be liable for the cost of the cards. Officers confirmed that
this would be passed on to the users. Members asked for their concerns to be
noted that they hoped this did not cost too much and lessen the funding
available as Direct Payments. Officers stated that they would provide the
actual cost per card outside of the meeting.
Members
asked whether there are any limitations on what can be purchased on the card
and if not why aren’t the payments paid directly into a bank account. Officers
stated that like other pre-paid credit or debit type cards there are no
limitations on what can be purchased. It was further confirmed that whilst many
individuals have bank accounts there are some who are unable to open a bank
account and thus the pre-paid card is a necessity for them.
Members
raised concern that the cards could be mis-used by individuals and officers
confirmed that like anything there was this possibility although spending is
monitored to ensure that the right types of services are purchased.
Officers
stated that Members should be mindful that pre-paid cards were already in place
and being used by individuals and the recommendation was to identify an
alternative provider and if Members suggested removing the cards totally then
this would disadvantage a number of individuals.
Following
Scrutiny the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by
Cabinet Board.