Agenda item

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

3.1    Western Bay Commissioning Strategy for Care Homes for Older People 2016-2025

The Committee received the proposed Western Bay Commissioning Strategy for Care Homes for Older People for 2016-2025 as contained within the circulated report.

The Committee initially queried why paragraphs had been omitted in the report before them at this meeting that had been contained within the previous report for their consideration in September 2017 which referred to the closure and new build of residential care homes. Officers explained that in the original report references were made to information that was not for consideration at that meeting in September and had caused overall confusion so the information was omitted from the report in front of Members at this meeting.

The Committee queried what was meant by ‘Quality of Life’ as mentioned throughout the circulated report. Officers explained that part of the initial assessment that is carried out by Social Workers of the needs of service users include consideration of their quality of life and it was agreed that this is different for all people.  It is used as part of the measure for monitoring purposes and is contained in the regional quality framework guidance which is set across the region.

Members asked what measures monitored whether the workforce was strong and motivated as stated in the circulated report. They learnt that retention and recruitment of staff is a measure; Members noted the difficulties in maintaining a strong workforce and that work is needed to encourage people to work in the sector and that an action plan has been developed to specifically target recruitment as a regional initiative.  

It was highlighted that presently there is a shortage of specialist care facilities within Neath Port Talbot and work is progressing with private providers to try to resolve this. In addition, there is a piece of work being undertaken locally to explore what service users or families need to contribute to care costs.  A report will be brought to a future meeting for Members consideration.

Members agreed that there is a need to consider all alternative ways of delivering care and officers explained that any parties interested in providing models of care or taking over any vacant residential care buildings to provide that care would be considered.  Focus is presently on developing a marketing strategy which will include working with social enterprise ventures and Members were pleased to note that discussions are currently taking place with Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service.

Members queried how the Authority monitors services users whose care is provided via independent living and whether there was any data highlighting the outcomes experienced. Officers explained that presently there are no indicators to capture this data and there is no evidence available to identify what measure could be put in place to capture the data.  Also, the majority of service users choose to have their care provided at home to enable them remain independent.  Members asked that this be considered as part of the planned Direct Payments Task & Finish Group.

Members queried the different sub groups which were cited in the Care Homes Commissioning Strategy but did not appear on the Western Bay governance diagram in the earlier item and officers explained that there was a governance arrangement within the Community Services programme within Western Bay and agreed to circulate it.

The Committee enquired if there were any plans to extend the current provision of the Extra Care Sheltered Housing Schemes and were informed that this is currently being looked at and that discussions are taking place with Registered Social Landlords on the number of facilities and the criteria for residents within these extra care settings.

Following scrutiny the Committee were overall in support of the recommendation to be considered at Cabinet Board with the following amendment:

The Commissioning Strategy for Care Homes for Older People 2016-2025 and the local Implementation Plan for Neath Port Talbot Council be approved subject to elements of the implementation plan being brought back retrospectively to Members for their continued information and ongoing monitoring.

3.3    Partnership Agreement for Western Bay Programme Infrastructure

The Committee received the Partnership Agreement for Western Bay Programme Infrastructure as contained within the circulated report.

Officers restated that it is a legal requirement to resource the Western Bay collaborative work otherwise the Council could be legally challenged.

Members asked for an explanation in relation to the increase in the contribution from Neath Port Talbot and queried if this is due to the current economic climate. Officers explained that the increase was due to 1 additional staff post and that overall the staffing costs have decreased.  Neath Port Talbot’s contribution is 20% of the overall costs this would cover if any overspend or underspend was incurred..

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