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