Issue - meetings

That a date be arranged for a workshop to enable officers to report back on the issues raised on the Social Enterprise (Double Click) Business Plan, including costs and the impact on service users.

The Head of Social Services for Adults introduced a report to consider the Business Plan to transform Double Click from a Social Services run work-scheme to a Social Enterprise.

Councillor D.I. Mackie commented that the business plan was difficult to read and raised queries on inconsistent figures provided in the plan relating to the cost of a Business Manager.

Although officers endeavoured to respond to the queries, a resolution could not be found.  The Chair said that the Committee could not be expected to accept the recommendations in the report without further clarity on costs.

The Head of Social Services suggested that a workshop be arranged to discuss the costs in detail.

Councillor Mackie said it was important that any further discussion include information on the current status on the project.  The Senior Business Advisor said it would be helpful to ascertain any other queries prior to the workshop.

Councillor H.J. McGuill felt that officers needed to address how the business would grow, what was targeted and how, whilst indicating any additional resources and equipment required.

Councillor S. Jones stated that the aim of the project was to benefit people and that evidence of this should be provided.

The Chair suggested that further discussion could be incorporated at the forthcoming Forward Work Programme workshop, however some Members indicated that they would be unable to attend.  The Chair proposed that a separate date be arranged for a workshop where officers could report back on costs and the impact on service users.  This was duly seconded and agreed by the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That a date be arranged for a workshop to enable officers to report back on the issues raised on the Social Enterprise (Double Click) Business Plan, including costs and the impact on service users.