Agenda item

Pre-Scrutiny

Minutes:

The Committee scrutinised the following items:

 

Cabinet Board Proposals

 

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

 

The Committee received information in relation to the Children and Young People & Adult Services – 2nd 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 explained there were various reasons for this, particularly around tenants who were not receiving their benefits in time to pay their rent, which meant that they were at risk of eviction and homelessness. Officers added that delays in receiving allowances meant that many private landlords were refusing tenants on Universal Credit.

 

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

 

 

 

                             CHAIRPERSON