Agenda item

a)         That the committee notes the progress of the Sheltered Housing Improvement Project;

b)         That the Committee agrees to the proposals to seek alternative accommodation for three hubs currently located at Council houses; and

c)         That the Committee notes the future expansion proposals being developed for private sector tenants and home owners to deliver a county wide, tenure neutral service to commence April 2013.

The Supporting People Manager introduced a report to update the Committee about the introduction of a Community Based (Warden) Support Service.  Focus had been concentrated so far on the setting up of Community hubs, the implementation of new working practices and the assessment of support needs for all tenants which was now complete.  There were nine hubs, three of which were based in Council properties.  The Supporting People Manager asked the Committee if they would consider changing the three hubs based in Council properties if suitable alternative office accommodation could be secured.

It was envisaged that the service could soon be rolled out to persons in owner occupied accommodation as the Supporting People Grant was tenure neutral.  The Supporting People Manager said that a new staff structure would come into operation from April 2014.  It had been agreed that 70% of staff time would be dedicated to field work in line with the findings and needs of the support assessments.

Councillor A.I. Dunbar asked if any hubs would be amalgamated.  The Supporting People Manager said that three hubs would be reviewed, including one at Mostyn where there was the possibility of sharing office space with another public service provider.  Staff had felt it was important to maintain hubs in Caergwrle and Mostyn which support rural areas.

Councillor P.J. Curtis asked where the Holywell hub was located and asked if staff could work out of the Flintshire Connects Office.  He asked if the reduction in staff could have a negative effect on the service, particularly if the service was extended.  The Supporting People Manager said it was based in Panton Place.  The Head of Housing said that the Flintshire Connects Office was an option and that some wardens already worked from there.  Appendix 1 detailed that the proposed staffing levels included capacity for expansion.  She added that if further funding was required, if demand grew, they could approach Supporting People for more funding.

Councillor W.P. Shotton thanked the Supporting People Manager for the report and asked how often residents needs were reviewed.  The Supporting People Manager said that they were reviewed every six months and on demand should their needs change.

Councillor A.M. Bragg voiced concern at possible work overload for the staff and asked if there would be a cost element for those in owner occupied accommodation.  The Supporting People Manager said that the 70% fieldwork element was set realistically and capacity had been built in for owner occupier uptake.  Once the scheme was tenure neutral, a request for extra funding could be considered.  The Head of Housing said that there were no proposals to charge clients.

Councillor R. Davies thanked the Supporting People Manager for an excellent report and asked if the local members were aware of the hubs.  The Supporting People Manager said that she was happy to arrange visits for any member and would send hub location lists out.

RESOLVED:

a)         That the committee notes the progress of the Sheltered Housing Improvement Project;

b)         That the Committee agrees to the proposals to seek alternative accommodation for three hubs currently located at Council houses; and

c)         That the Committee notes the future expansion proposals being developed for private sector tenants and home owners to deliver a county wide, tenure neutral service to commence April 2013.