Issue - meetings

To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams (copy enclosed) which detailed the formation of a North East Wales Sensory Support Service in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council and Flintshire County Council.

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report, circulated previously, which detailed the formation of a North East Wales Sensory Support Service in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council and Flintshire County Council.

RESOLVED:- that Cabinet:-

(a)       recognises the positive actions taken to enhance the service available to children and young people with a sensory loss across the counties of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire, and

(b)       approves the decision to move to a sub-regional service.

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report, circulated previously, which detailed the formation of a North East Wales Sensory Support Service in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council and Flintshire County Council.

The report outlined the progress made to bring into being the sub-regional sensory service and sought approval for the decision to move to a partnership delivery model.  In response to a WG directive to increase collaboration and consortium working, the formation of a regional Sensory Service had identified as a priority by Inclusion Officers across North Wales.  Sensory impairment services were small and highly specialised in many Authorities.  Partnership working would enable greater resilience and efficiency through enhanced scale and enable service users to benefit through a greater range of specialist staff being available to support children and young people and their families and carers.  Following exploratory meetings with the six North Wales Local Authorities (LA’s), officers from Wrexham, Denbighshire and Flintshire had proceeded to scope a service to cover North East Wales.

A full business case, Appendix 1, had been developed by the three LA’s and a Partnership Agreement, Appendix 2, had been created along with other associated documentation.  A full service model for delivery had been developed to fit within the combined current budget allocated for sensory provision by the three LAs. 

The Partnership Agreement outlined the financial arrangements between Flintshire, the host Authority, Wrexham and Denbighshire which identified the detail around provision and process.  The Agreement indicated the shared financial responsibilities of all partners in relation to staff and assets should the Partnership be dissolved.

Consultation would take place with all service staff and their union representatives.  Officers had liaised with Betsi Cadwallader University Heath Board professionals and the voluntary sector regarding the proposed changes in service delivery.  An Equalities Impact Assessment had been completed, Appendix 3.  It had been considered that the sub-regional development would provide positive benefits for children and young people with a sensory loss.  The service model would result in a more efficient and effective service which could be delivered within the existing budget.  The overarching risk had been identified as the inability to deliver the range of service required by children and young people, and future sustainability of service within the current model.

RESOLVED:- that Cabinet:-

(a)       recognises the positive actions taken to enhance the service available to children and young people with a sensory loss across the Counties of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire, and

(b)       approves the decision to move to a sub-regional service.