Agenda item

PRE-SCRUTINY

Minutes:

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

 

Cabinet Board Proposals

 

5.1    Residential and Non-Residential Care Charging Policy

 

The Committee received information in relation to the Residential and Non- Residential Care Charging Policy as contained within the circulated report.

 

Members asked if the funding received from Welsh Government was sufficient and were informed that the additional funding levels received are closely monitored to ensure that appropriate amounts are received.

 

The Committee noted that for cases where residential care stays exceed 8 weeks but are less than 52 weeks Residential Charging Assessments are carried out on a temporary (Extended Care) basis and property is only taken into account when long term placements are required but will be disregarded in certain circumstances i.e. where a spouse is still living at the address. 

 

Members were concerned about the potential situation of charging higher fees to private residents in order to subsidise Council placements. Officers explained that a framework exists and that this situation is closely monitored with regular meetings being held with providers. 

 

It was noted that on-costs are not included in the fee amounts stated in the circulated report.

 

Members were reminded that the Council had entered into a 25 year contract with Pobl Group.

 

The Committee asked for a list of Care Homes that provide a service with no ‘top up’ fees and were informed that the nature of the ‘top up’ is continually monitored.

 

Members raised concern at the levels of poverty among

service users and were assured that affordability is considered and close working links are fostered with colleagues in agencies such as Welfare Rights, POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and South Wales Police.

 

The Committee discussed why service users do not share their financial information and noted that they are continually encouraged to do so but that it remains a personal choice.

 

Members were reminded that the Pobl Group could be invited to participate in a scrutiny session and the Committee looked forward to this session being arranged

 

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

 

 

5.2    Mental Health Services Strategic Delivery Plan

 

The Committee received information in relation to the Mental Health Services Strategic Delivery Plan as contained within the circulated report.

 

Members asked officers if they were confident that progress against the Mental Health action plan could be undertaken in a timely manner. Officers explained that progress has been slow at times, as working with other partner agencies can sometimes present challenges with regards to timescales but that continual feedback on progress would be provided to Members.

 

The Committee discussed issues that service users face when living in supported living accommodation and were encouraged to hear about the ongoing work with colleagues in the Environment Directorate to consider all issues such as parking and the street-scene environment.

 

Members discussed the emphasis of caring for people in their own homes but were concerned about the services that lay outside of the Council’s control. Members recognised the importance of a joined up strategic vision and the role of the Public Services Board in continuing to prioritise this with partners in Health but recognised the challenging environment in which the services operate.

Members looked forward to receiving continual progress reports to future meetings of the Committee as and when they become available.

 

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