Agenda item

PRE-SCRUTINY

Minutes:

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

 

Cabinet Board Proposals

 

5.1    Social Services Health and Housing Directorate Business Plan 17/19

 

          The Committee received the Social Services Health and Housing Directorate Business Plan for 17/19 as contained within the circulated report.

 

          The Committee asked for further information in relation to commissioning and were informed that there are a number of priority areas to reshape in order to strengthen the services provided and create a clear pathway of quality services.

 

          Members noted that it is sometimes difficult for smaller private sector businesses to get involved in larger tendering exercises but Officers gave the assurance that future procurement will enable the ‘asset based approach’ and will aim to be a simple and accessible programme encouraging participation from local businesses and organisations.

 

          Members questioned how a ‘robust market’ would be established. The fact that all strands of the market place were being considered was discussed to understand the flow of people using the service and the Committee were pleased to note the aim of working with organisations who share the same morale values in order to enter into positive working relationships.

         

          Concern was raised at the 8% increase in those living with dementia and the pressure that this will put on services. It was agreed that future proofing will be vital within the Care Home Sector and that the Social Care Workforce Development Grant is utilised to provide ‘Dementia Friends’ training however it was noted that this was not mandatory training currently.

 

          The Committee noted the ongoing commitment to an asset based approach and engaged in a discussion about how local Members will assist in the progress of this model.

 

          The Committee were pleased to note the ‘shared front door’ provision of a single point of contact as well as the bringing together of the separate children’s and adults safeguarding teams under one senior manager.

 

          A discussion was held on Direct Payments and Members looked forward to the planned Task and Finish Group on the topic.

 

          Members raised issues in relation to Registered Social Landlords and were pleased to note the ongoing relationship between them and the Environment Directorate.

          Independent Living Arrangements with Tai Tarian were discussed and Officers explained that ‘Extra Care’ Schemes were now being considered as a model.

 

          The Committee asked for the Officers’ view on the most challenging aspect of the plan to deliver. The view was expressed that the whole plan is inter-woven and will depend very much on the success of the implementation of the asset based approach which will involve a change in Council culture. Members agreed that the delivery of the plan will involve a journey for all involved and the Committee looked forward to playing their part in this and looked forward to receiving further information in relation to the individual priorities as they progress.

 

The Committee were concerned at the jargon used throughout the report and queried the extent that members of the public would understand the content and meaning.

 

Following scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the recommendation to be considered at Cabinet Board, but recommended that the draft is shared with the public for their views to be fed into the final version.

 

 

5.2    Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Service Quarter 1 and 2 17/18 Data Report.

 

The Committee received information in relation to the Western Bay Youth Justice and Early Intervention Service Quarter 1 and 2 17/18 Data as contained within the circulated report.

 

Members stated that the report was quite technical and asked if it could be made more readable when presented next time. Members also noted that there was inconsistency between the writing of numbers in numbers and words and asked that this be addressed. Officers welcomed the feedback.

 

A discussion was had on reoffending rates and Members noted that while performance has worsened the way in which it is reported has changed and the Committee were made aware of the challenging and complex cohort.

 

Members asked how the voice of the young person is considered and were pleased to note that the Young Person Management Board has a new Chair and a new system is in place to capture young people’s views.

 

Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be noted.