Issue - meetings

That the Committee supports the latest updated risk register and risk mitigation actions within the Social Services portfolio. 

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced a report to provide an oversight on the recovery planning for the Committee’s respective portfolio.   He provided   background information and said an update on the portfolio risk register and risk mitigation actions were shown in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.  He advised that an update on the recovery objectives for the service portfolio for the Committee were detailed in paragraph 1.05 of the report and reported on the key considerations.

The Chief Officer explained that where services had been partially resumed, the return to normal operating hours and usage would be in line with Public Health Wales and Welsh Government advice.  He referred to the current lockdown and said that during the ’firebreak’ period some services would be discontinued but some would be ongoing for people and children with high vulnerability.  

The Chair expressed thanks on behalf of the Committee to the Chief Officer and his team for their hard work and commitment to continue provision of services during the pandemic.  She also congratulated the Chief Officer on the achievements made by Adult and Children’s Social Services throughout the challenges faced this year.   

Councillor Cindy Hinds commented on the issue of mental health and asked if there had been an increase in individuals suffering mental illness as a result of the impact of Covid-19.  The Chief Officer responded that there had been an increase in the number of people who suffered mental health issues during the last seven months as some people struggled with the psychological effects of a lockdown.  In terms of support for the workforce the Senior Manager: Integrated Services, Lead Adults explained that the Service was working closely with MIND and there was a programme of support to assist all individuals who required help in the workforce.

Councillor Dave Mackie endorsed  the Chair’s comments regarding how well Social Services was performing to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and suggested that the recommendation in the report be amended to read  That the Committee supports the latest updated risk register and risk mitigation actions within the Social Services portfolio.  This was agreed by the Committee. 

The recommendation in the report was moved by Councillor David  Wisinger and seconded by Councillor Jean Davies.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee supports the latest updated risk register and risk mitigation actions within the Social Services portfolio.