Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

None were received.

None were received.

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme as submitted be approved; and

(b)       That the Overview & Scrutiny Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings as the need arises.

The current Forward Work Programme was presented for consideration.  Following detailed work on Alternative Delivery Models (ADMs) and Community Asset Transfers (CATs) over the past few years, three emerging key priorities had been identified.  The Chief Officers (Organisational Change) provided an overview of those priorities within their respective areas:

Community Resilience

Councillor Paul Shotton welcomed ‘social prescribing’ initiatives where signposting to groups and activities could promote healthy living and help reduce pressures on the Ambulance Service.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) said that the aim of this priority was to maximise opportunities for community resilience by working with public sector partners.  The ‘social prescribing’ element involved creating pathways outside formal social care settings to encourage residents to access a network of opportunities and help prevent health issues.

Additional information was provided by the Senior Manager - Integrated Services on the development of the Single Point of Access to support GPs by signposting to various community activities.  She also referred to planned work on the Aging Well Plan.

The Chairman said that GPs could do more to refer individuals to healthy initiatives and activities such as local walking groups.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 2) gave examples of new technology which could be used to assist vulnerable people in their own homes.

On the latter point, Councillor Ellis said that detailed explanation would be required on the use of such devices.  She pointed out that some wards had a significant number of older residents and that it would be helpful for local Members to be given a nominated officer contact with whom they could refer issues.

Digital and Customer Services Strategy

In response to concerns from some Members, the Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) clarified that the aim of the Digital Strategy was to encourage and improve digital contact for those who wanted it.  The digital customer overview appended to the report demonstrated the creation of the customer account.  This approach would help to improve opportunities for other individuals who preferred more traditional means of contact, for example by telephone or face to face.  Assurance was given that these options would continue to be available to meet the needs of all customers.

Councillor Gay spoke about the role of ‘community agents’ which she felt could be explored for Flintshire.  In response to concerns about the lack of Wi-fi in public buildings, the Chief Officer agreed to look into provision at Douglas Place in Saltney.  He said that future development of public buildings should take account of Wi-fi provision for members of the public.  Whilst the Council had no control on the Broadband rollout programme, customers would still be able to access the Council by telephone or face to face contact.

Councillor McGuill asked if the expansion of digital services would mean extended working hours for officers.  The Chief Officer said that the expectations of residents would need to be identified to establish how these could be reasonably met.

Council’s Property Asset Rationalisation Programme

Councillor Lloyd suggested that plans for County  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting as the following item was considered to be exempt by virtue of paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

To provide an update on the progress of establishing an Alternative Delivery Model for Learning Disability Day Care and Work Opportunities.

(a)       That the Committee notes the Council’s wishes to continue to support the service and recognises the efforts made by staff; and

(b)       That the Committee notes progress made to date, and supports progress made in the implementation of the Alternative Delivery Model for Social Care - Learning Disability Day Care and Work Opportunities.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) introduced an update report on progress in establishing an Alternative Delivery Model (ADM) for Learning Disability Day Care and Work Opportunities.

The Senior Manager - Integrated Services and Lead Adults gave a reminder that the aim of the ADM was to establish a sustainable service by commissioning an experienced provider with social values.  She spoke about the role of the Transition Board in overseeing the project and involvement by service users and their families to ensure due diligence on the completion of the contract.

Councillor Aaron Shotton expressed his appreciation for the work undertaken by officers and Members.  He said that the Council had recognised the importance of continuing to invest in this valued service, which was not a statutory duty.  The ADM would help support the development of the new facility which was to replace the existing learning disability day centre at Glanrafon in Queensferry.

Members commended the report and said that progress should be reported to Overview & Scrutiny.

In response to questions, the officers provided clarification on a range of issues including access to grant funding, the selection process for the service provider and terms of the contract.  The Commissioning Manager referred to the transparent approach to financial matters of the partnership and agreed to provide a separate response on the value of the contract.  The Senior Manager said that arrangements for rota visits would require consideration by the Transition Board.

Councillor Christine Jones paid tribute to the efforts of the team and both Chief Officers during the process, and the all-inclusive approach involving service users, Trade Union colleagues and employees.

The Committee supported the Chairman’s proposal for a slight amendment to the recommendation to reflect the points raised.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee notes the Council’s wishes to continue to support the service and recognises the efforts made by staff; and

(b)       That the Committee notes progress made to date, and supports progress made in the implementation of the Alternative Delivery Model for Social Care - Learning Disability Day Care and Work Opportunities.

There were no members of the press and public in attendance.