Minutes:
Officers
provided an update report on the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on the
Disabled Facility Grant (DFG) service and recovery.
Members welcomed
the significant increase in the number of jobs that had been completed from the
end of May 2021 to September 2021 (raised from 19 to 73 during this period);
and also welcomed the positive feedback received from clients who had a DFG
carried out.
The circulated
report detailed that demand for builders remained significantly higher than
normal, with homeowners carrying out home improvements; and that some materials
were still difficult to source. It was queried how much of an impact this was
having on the service, and if there was alternative ways of souring materials.
Officers explained that this was a national problem, with the biggest issue
being the shortage of contactors; the majority of contractors were still very
busy carrying out the works that had been commissioned during the height of the
pandemic. It was explained that the contractors were able to source materials,
however there had been a significant rise in the cost of materials. Members
were informed that the majority of the DFG works currently being carried out
were tasks such as shower conversions; the materials for these types of jobs
were easier to source, and there was less demand for plumbers as opposed to
general builders. It was added that works relating to extensions had been most
affected, however there were still jobs being completed, just at a slower pace
than previous years; the Council had taken on additional builders to try and
help progress the jobs, and were on a waiting list with contractors.
A discussion
took place in regards to the Occupational Therapy (OT) Service and the capacity
of the service. It was mentioned that the OT service was at full capacity for a
short time, however there was currently a shortage due to staff leaving the
service. Officers explained the reasons for the delays in service and the
process behind the waiting list system; the report highlighted that there was
currently a small waiting list of 15 awaiting release into the system. Despite
this, it was confirmed that the flow through the service was working well.
Reference was
made to the recent Welsh Government announcement regarding removing the means
testing on small and medium sized adaptations. Members asked for information
regarding Neath Port Talbot Councils position on this. Officers anticipated
that the demand would increase massively if the means testing for small and
medium DFGs were simply removed; if a decision was to be made to remove the
means testing, it would be necessary to put conditions in place to try and
control the demand. It was noted that there was various factors to take into
account, particularly around the budget; however, it was important that this
was controlled without discriminating against those who genuinely could not
afford the works to be completed. Members were informed that discussions had
started to take place with Welsh Government regarding the future process, and
Officers had started to bring forward ideas; the Council was also working
closely with Swansea and Bridgend Councils in order to obtain a regional
approach to this. It was added that this was a discretionary measure;
therefore, the Council did not have to implement the change.
It was confirmed
that a report on this matter will be presented to the Committee in due course,
which will give Members the opportunity to share the views and to provide an
input into the process, before any decisions were made or implemented.
Members
complimented the Department and thanked Officers for their hard work in regards
to DFGs.
Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
Supporting documents: