Agenda item

            That members note this report as a final summary of the implementation of the transport policy.

The Head of Social Services for Adults introduced the final update report on the outcome of the transport policy,

                           In October 2011, Flintshire County Council introduced a fair and equitable Transport Policy for Social Services for Adults after a consultation process with stakeholders that ran from April to September 2011.  A social worker had undertaken individual transport assessments for 420 people, 416 of which were completed.  Under the new policy, 47% of people previously in receipt of transport remained eligible, 17% were joint funded and 36% of people were found to be no longer eligible for the service.  All complaints had been resolved and there was one appeal outstanding with the Ombudsman.

                           In the previous year, £269,000 of savings had been made, and projected savings of £50,000 were expected in this year.  Further savings were envisaged as the contract for the transport service was due to go out to tender and more efficient routes would be implemented.                         

                           The Chair asked the Head of Social Services for Adults to convey thanks to Suzie Lunt for all her work on the project, and the professional way in which it was managed on behalf of the Social and Health Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

                           Councillor D. I. Mackie asked if the cost of escorts had been considered during the consultations.  The Head of Adult Social Services said that there had been a reduction in the number of escorts as some had taken retirement.  Councillor Mackie asked if there had been an increase in traffic reported at the day centres as a result of the policy and if there had been a reduction in attendance.  The Head of Social Services for Adults said that there was now a degree of flexibility in respect to start times at day centres to accommodate new transport arrangements, so this had not been an issue.  There had been little or no reduction in attendance as a result of the policy.  Councillor Mackie said that if assessments took place between June and September, and transport was withdrawn as a result, some people assessed in June would have had transport withdrawn immediately whilst people assessed in September would have continued to receive transport until then.  The Head of Social Services for Adults said that the policy was implemented gradually and said in hindsight it may have been better to do all assessments first then implement policy.  He said that service users were aware of the cut off date and understood how it was to be introduced.

                           Councillor B. Lloyd asked about the number of service users.  The Director of Community Services said that 416 day care service users had been assessed.  If some were in receipt of mobility payments, this was taken into account where appropriate.   The current system of free transport for all was no longer sustainable.  Some people made alternative arrangements with the use of mobility allowance.

                           Councillor M. Lowe asked about persons who would face financial hardship as a result of the policy.  The Head of Social Services for Adults said that such persons could make a case to a panel set up to review such cases.

                           Councillor G. Banks asked if persons no longer in receipt of free transport could pay to use the transport service.  The Head of Adult Social Services said that he had been advised by Legal Services that this was not appropriate.  He said that the new, efficient routes would minimise spare spaces on the transport.

               RESOLVED:

               That members note this report as a final summary of the implementation of the transport policy.