Agenda item

(a)       That Members welcomed the good progress being made on all three work streams and endorsed the approach being taken in relation to the sensitivity of the work; and

(b)       Members agreed that full consultation is undertaken and recognised the potential impact this may have on the timescales for completion.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced a report on the Leading Disability (LD) Service.  He advised that as part of its modernisation programme the (LD) Service had 3 significant ongoing workstreams. 

The Chief Officer reported on Project 1 which was  the day and work services e.g. LD small businesses, and Project 2 which was the Glanrafon day centre.  He advised that significant work had been undertaken on  feasibility studies which were now completed and work was moving forward on the business planning phase.  The business planning was supported by Social Firms Wales and Capita and would continue to the end of November/December to produce two key deliverables for review and approval.

The Chief Officer reported on Project 3 which was the Supported Living Change Options workstream.  He explained that following a review of all individuals and houses,  7 houses had been identified for re-provision from the independent sector.  Meetings had been held with service users and families and a number of consultation events had taken place.  An appeals panel had been arranged and individuals were currently appealing against the decisions.  Following the outcome of this process the next stage will be to progress to the procurement/tendering phase.    

Councillor Andy Dunbobbin expressed his thanks to the Cabinet Member for Social Services and the Chief Officer (Social Services) for their vision in providing services in an alternative way.

Councillor Dave Mackie referred to the  concerns raised on the proposals for Project 3 which were being managed via the complaints receiving officer.  The  Senior Manager Commissioning and Performance explained that some people had anxiety around the appeal process and explained that any complaints were being dealt with by the complaints officer.  The Service was working hard with individuals and independent advocates to establish their views.  Councillor Christine Jones gave an assurance that carers, parents and service users were involved throughout the consultation process and that the complaints procedure was a valuable part of the process. 

In response to a further question raised by Councillor Mackie concerning the risk associated with TUPE, the  Senior Manager Commissioning and Performance explained that the Service was aware of the risks and discussions were taking place to consider how best to manage appropriately.  The Chief Officer commented on a corporate arrangement concerning TUPE and the intention to achieve maximum efficiency for the Service. 

The     Senior Manager Commissioning and Performance emphasised the user involvement in terms of going out to the independent sector and the  user/family being entitled to choose which provider was commissioned.

            In response to the comments made by Councillor Hilary McGuill concerning the condition of the Glanrafon Day Centre building, the Chief Officer (Social Services) stated that the current building was not ‘fit for purpose’ and the Council was looking for a site which was convenient for service users in Flintshire.  In response to the further comments from Councillor McGuill concerning what other organisations and charities offering similar services for people with disabilities had been contacted regarding best practice, the Chief Officer advised that the Council was in discussion with some of the organisations which had responded to the Public Interest Notice placed on the Sell2Wales web site.

            The Chair sought further information on the possible location of a new building for the Glanrafon Day Care Centre.  The Chief Officer confirmed that no decision had yet been taken about a site and he had an ‘open mind’ on suggestions concerning sites in Flintshire to identify the most appropriate location. 

Councillor Hilary McGuill suggested that a number of small businesses could be combined and commented on the potential for expansion and  development of  Wepre Park in Connah’s Quay which would benefit both the workstream and the community. The Chief Officer explained that some expansion and combination of small businesses was being considered as part of the business plan. 

            RESOLVED:

(a)       That Members welcomed the good progress being made on all three work streams and endorsed the approach being taken in relation to the sensitivity of the work; and

(b)       Members agreed that full consultation is undertaken and recognised the potential impact this may have on the timescales for completion.