Agenda item

(a)       That the committee consider the 2012/13 Quarter 2 performance reports produced by the Heads of Service;

(b)       That a breakdown of the costs of the Disabled Facilities Grant be provided in the Quarter 3 report;

(c)        That figures for Children in Need, such as numbers assessed and waiting for a social worker should be provided as part of the next quarterly report;

(d)       That the Learning and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator write to Alan Butterworth to convey thanks on behalf of the committee for his contribution to Community Services; and

(e)       That the Committee was satisfied with the budget variances shown on page 103.

Adult Social Services

                           The Head of Adult Social Services introduced the Adult Social Services report and highlighted the ongoing work to achieve the efficiency savings of £1.2 million for 2012-13.

                           There had been a decline in performance in the time taken to deliver a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) in the second quarter, down to 422 days from 393 days in the first quarter.  Information leaflets about low level works were being circulated to customers. In terms of risk, Disabled Facility Grants were on amber In the case of low level adaptations, a workman from Wales and West had recently been employed to carry out such works.

                           Councillor D. Evans said that he would like to see a breakdown of the levels of work required under DFG, such as works to the value of £10,000 to £50,000.  The Head of Social Services for Adults said that this level of detail would be added into the next quarter report, with the agreement of the Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator.

                           The Chair said that the idea for a workman in a van to conduct low level adaptations had originated from a member workshop.  Councillor H.J. McGuill said Age Concern operated a similar service.

               Children’s Services

                           The Performance Officer introduced the Children’s Service report and said that all 7 improvement targets had been met in quarter 2.

                           The joint project with Barnados which involved young carers had carried out all the required assessments and all of the young people were in receipt of a service.

                           Performance in the timeliness of statutory visits for looked after children were slightly below that of last quarter, as was the timeliness of Children in Need reviews.  This was attributed to the impact of the implementation of the Transition Team; the transfer of cases from the Children’s Integrated Disability Service to Transition had led to some delays in the completion of reviews and visits.  Reviews and visits were now back on track now that the department was fully staffed.

                           The Chair asked if figures for Children in Need, such as numbers assessed and waiting for a social worker could be provided.  The Director of Community Services said that these figures could be collated for the committee.

               Development and Resources

                           The Director of Community Services introduced the Development and Resources Report in place of the Head of Development and Resources and said that there had been progress with the improvement plan in terms care fees methodology, extra care expansion, the development of new Supporting People services to strengthen homeless prevention.  These areas currently held green RAG status.  The review of the charging policy for social services and housing related support was ongoing and showed amber RAG status. 

                           In terms of the Strategic Risks and Challenges (SARC), CL07, The Relationship with local health board and impacts on public and primary health was on red RAG status, in light of the health reforms.

                           The Director of Community Services informed the committee that Alan Butterworth would take retirement in the New Year, before the next committee meeting.  He formally acknowledged, as Director, the huge contribution which had been made by Alan Butterworth over the years to Community Services and conveyed his thanks for all his efforts.  The Chair asked that the Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator write to Alan Butterworth to convey thanks on behalf of the committee for his contribution to Community Services.

                           The Chair proposed that the budget variances shown on page 103, be examined more closely by the committee.  The budget variances related to local teams, vacancy management, family placement and professional support.

RESOLVED:-

               (a)       That the committee consider the 2012/13 Quarter 2 performance reports        produced by the Heads of Service;

               (b)       That a breakdown of the costs of the Disabled Facilities Grant be provided    in the Quarter 3 report;

               (c)        That figures for Children in Need, such as numbers assessed and waiting      for a social worker should be provided as part of the next quarterly report;

               (d)       That the Learning and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator write      to Alan Butterworth to convey thanks on behalf of the committee for his contribution to Community Services; and

               (e)       That the Committee was satisfied with the budget variances shown on            page 103.