To
select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision
Scrutiny (Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)
Minutes:
The
committee chose to scrutinise the following cabinet board items:
Remodelling
and Relocation of Complex Needs Day Services
The
committee received an overview of the proposal to remodel and relocate the
current Complex Needs Day Services based at Abbeyview,
Brynamlwg and Trem Y Mor as detailed in the circulated
report.
Members
were reassured that the proposal was not a cost cutting exercise as the costs were
neutral. It was to strengthen the
current provision.
Concern
was expressed by members on the additional time service users would spend
travelling to the new premises. It was
explained that in liaison with our transport colleagues no additional time
would be spent on buses. If necessary
the pickup routes would be reconfigured to ensure this. Each bus where necessary would have less pick
up routes. A report containing a
breakdown of times and locations would be brought for members consideration to
a future meeting.
Consideration
would be given to assisting service users with Autistic Spectrum Disorder to
cope with the changes that this proposal would bring. Friendship between service users, which was
previously raised by parents during the consultation would also form part of
the planning.
Officers
confirmed that there would be additional costs incurred due to training staff
as agency staff would have to cover those staff being trained. Discussions were on-going with care
providers.
Discussion
took place on the process for supporting family and parents who were unhappy
with the proposal. Officers explained
that meetings had taken place on an individual basis to mitigate any issues and
assist people to understand why the changes had been put in place. It was also recognised that change could be
difficult for many people. Also, when
reflecting on the consultation any lessons learnt from that process would be
used to inform future consultations.
Following
scrutiny, the committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by
cabinet board.
Direct
Payments Policy
At
this point Councillor C. Galsworthy re-affirmed her interest in this item and left
the meeting.
Members
received information on the Direct Payments Policy as detailed in the
circulated report.
In
answer to members queries, the Direct Payments Policy
was not subject to external consultation because it was an explanation of the
Direct Payments system, rather than being a policy which sets out and explains
the approach that the Council had chosen to adopt within a legal
framework. An Integrated Impact Assessment
was undertaken as part of the council discharging its legislative duties under
the Equality Act 2010, the Welsh Language Standards (No.1) Regulations 2015 and
the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.
In
addition, members asked why there was no impact on the valleys. There were a number of cases where service
users could not recruit to personal assistant roles. Officers explained that this section of the
report referred to the legislative duties under the relevant equality acts. Also, no person would be forced to use direct payments. If there was no availability of personal
assistants, then the council would provide the service based on the persons
needs. Recipients could also stop direct
payments at any time.
Members
asked what a reasonable cost was as stated in the policy. Officers explained that the cost was
dependant on the person’s assessed need and what a reasonable cost was for the
service. If a recipient chose to secure
a more expensive service, the individual would have to pay the difference in
cost.
In
response to members’ queries, officers confirmed that the Disclosure and
Barring Service (DBS) checks were checked by the social worker. If no social worker was involved the direct
payments team undertook checks and where necessary referred to the safeguarding
team.
Following
scrutiny, the committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by
cabinet board.
Adult
Services Respite Allocation Policy
(At
this point Councillor C.Galsworthy returned to
participate in the meeting.)
Members
received information on the outcome of the public consultation on the revised
Adult Services Respite Allocation Policy as detailed in the circulated report.
Concern
was expressed at the new tick box form which determined the individuals’ and
carers eligible care and support needs for respite. Officers explained that the form was
developed from a request from social workers for assistance when assessing
need. The scoring system forms part of
the assessment. The form would then be
part of the considerations undertaken by the Resource Panel who allocate
respite.
The
committee asked what the waiting times were for assessment and it was explained
that the waiting times had reduced but that if a request was identified as
urgent a response would be immediate.
The
policy was developed to introduce a more flexible approach to enable service
users and carers to choose a care package that suited their needs. Some service users did not wish to go into a
respite establishment but preferred to remain at home and had the support in
place. Direct payments could also be
utilised.
The
direct payments team had a register of personal assistants and approached
existing PA’s if service users/carers were looking for respite support and were
unable to find a Personal Assistant.
Following
scrutiny, the committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by
cabinet board.
Adult,
Children and Young People Services – 2nd Quarter
The
committee received information on the Performance Information and Complaints
and Compliments for both Adult and Children and Young People Services for the Quarter
2 as detailed in the circulated report.
Members
were concerned at the 100 people who were not prevented from becoming
homeless. Officers explained that an
update report would be prepared which would contain the variety of reasons why
homelessness was not prevented and would also include the numbers of people who
refused help. Officers highlighted that there was a variety
of reasons why homelessness was not prevented. Neath Port Talbot County Borough
Council did not have any housing stock. There were issues with the bed and breakfast
accommodation in Swansea. Discussions were taking place with the Welsh
Government and Tai Tarian Housing Association to
assist with supporting these vulnerable people.
Discussion
took place on a model to prevent homelessness which was being used in Scotland
and which has proved to be very effective.
Officers would look into this model and provide a report if appropriate.
Following
scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.