Agenda item

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing, advised members that it was important that they were aware of the current status of the directorate’s transformation programmes. The programmes are key in transforming services to be fit for purpose in the future

 

Children and Young People Services

The Head of Children and Young People Services and officers provided a presentation of the transformation projects, as contained within the agenda pack.

 

Members commented that some parents whose children have moved into care or supported living facilities can suffer with anxiety, but when carers are engaged in communities there can be positive outcomes for all parties. Members enquired whether officers had any views on this and whether going forward the local authority needed any additional provisions in this field?

 

The Head of Children and Young People Services confirmed that simple changes can have an impact. Good social work is vital, by retaining lighter touches, issues can be identified quickly and often prevents further escalation.

 

Officers advised members that the Participation and Engagement Officer runs groups locally with young people. There is a focus on engagement with children, young people and their wider families. The support services offered early offers of help, through to looking for foster carers who can support local children to live locally. A piece of work is being undertaken in relation to Corporate Parenting and a Corporate Parenting Charter has been signed with a focus on what it means for the authority and for partners.

 

Adult Services

The Head of Adult Services provided a presentation on the transformation projects, as contained within the agenda pack.

 

The Chair thanked officers for their work and commented that it was a large piece of work which affects many residents in the community.

 

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health thanked staff for their work and the progress made in the transformation programme.

 

Housing and Communities

Officers provided a presentation of the Housing and Communities transformation projects, as contained within the agenda pack.

 

The Chair thanked staff for their work in often challenging circumstances.

 

Members asked for more information in relation to flipping tenancies.

 

Officers confirmed that tenancy flipping is a new piece of work in Wales. In Scotland, post Covid, local authorities flipped people in temporary accommodation into permanent contracts. In Neath Port Talbot, a measured approach is being taken towards tenancy flips, the focus is on balancing the need for appropriate temporary accommodation, especially for families, without depleting secure housing stock. A simple 7-stage process guide has been drafted to avoid overcomplication. The aim is to make this a standard procedure and policy in collaboration with registered social landlords. The process, if used correctly, is seen as positive and can take up to six months.

 

Members questioned whether mapping information was available in relation to areas where residents want to live. It was noted that residents may prefer to be rehomed in a different area, but this can cause additional issues if people do not settle. Members also enquired whether work was being undertaken to swap properties with older residents who may wish to downsize within their own communities.

 

Officers confirmed that mapping work helps to understand area demographics and housing preferences. Frontline staff face challenges due to people's expectations, especially in areas lacking one-bedroom social housing, despite high demand. Mapping aids honest conversations about availability and informs development opportunities. Progress has been made in aligning data from local authorities and registered social landlords, which was challenging. The aim is to predict accommodation needs and opportunities for people to move. In relation to older people, there are a number of new housing developments planned. Discussions with registered social landlords are underway to ensure right sizing, matching people to appropriate housing. The housing register contains eighty current tenants who wish to downsize, with three having priority needs. The goal is to create a global right sizing project to better match tenants with suitable accommodation.

 

The Chair commented that implementing a scheme can help address community hostility towards certain new developments. Better understanding and engagement with residents can break down barriers and improve acceptance of these developments.

 

The Chair commented that the Terms of Reference for the Social Impact Bond Task & Finish Group could be amended to consider how money is spent, to better support the transformation programmes.

 

The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing, agreed to support any task and finish group that looked at this area of work. Examples have been provided to members of invest to save projects which are expected to save money by transformation and to deliver better services. Any additional way of supporting the transformation programmes was encouraged.

 

The Chair agreed that this was an area that could be explored, further advice would be sought from the Director of Finance and Head of Legal and Democratic Services. Relevant Officers could be called in to the Task & Finish Group as and when required.

 

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.