Issue - meetings

That the Committee supports the Flintshire Supporting People Local Commissioning and Spend Plan.

The Supporting People Manager introduced the report to update Members on the Supporting People Programme in Flintshire and to seek approval for the Supporting People Local Commissioning Plan and the Local Spend Plan.

It was reported that the Supporting People Programme was undergoing significant changes due to reduced funding and a move to regional arrangements.  An intermediate Plan had been produced to cover the 12 month period leading up to the Regional Commissioning Strategy and a regional collaborative committee had been established.  A commitment had been given to set up ‘off the shelf’ projects which could be run at short-notice to support the work of the Welfare Reform Board.  The Supporting People Manager detailed the list of new committed projects, realignment actions and reductions in funding in the Local Commissioning Plan.

In response to queries raised by Councillor A.M. Halford, the Supporting People Manager explained that the Plan would be approved by the Committee and then endorsed by the Regional Collaborative Committee.  The reference to Telecare had only been in relation to service development due to community alarms being funded by Supporting People.  On the list of client groups within the Plan, it was explained that more generic projects were preferred over specific provision which would have limited demand.  The ‘zero’ number of units was not an indication of lack of provision and work was ongoing in these areas.  On the inclusion of service personnel as a client group, the Supporting People Manager confirmed that this group was picked up and that services were available if the need was identified.

Councillor D.L. Cox raised concern about the limited funding available to meet ongoing demand.  In sharing this concern, the Supporting People Manager said that the approach being taken by the service was currently working well and that such changes to service delivery could make a difference.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee supports the Flintshire Supporting People Local Commissioning and Spend Plan.