Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Adult and Business Services (copy enclosed) which provides an update on the review of Day Services in the North of the County, and advises on a preferred option for future delivery of services for formal consultation.

                                                                                                         10.10 a.m.

A copy of a report by the Head of Adult and Business Services, which provided an update on the review of Day Services in the North of the County and advised on a preferred option for future delivery of services for formal consultation, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

The Head of Adult and Business Services explained that as part of the modernisation of social services there was a need to review the provision of stand-alone day services for older people, Hafan Deg in Rhyl and Llys Nant in Prestatyn, to ensure that the service offered was consistent with the policy of reablement.  Detailed descriptions of the centres was provided for Members.  A review of the services had been commissioned in July, 2011 and the recommendations made were summarised in the report.  Due to measures already implemented the savings requirement had now been reduced to £60,000, to be achieved from the proposals outlined for 2013/14.

The principles in the report were outlined and the Head of Adult and Business Services highlighted the necessity to make changes to meet the future needs of the most vulnerable people in the County.  He acknowledged the need for the provision of day care services in Rhyl, Prestatyn and other areas, and that the accessibility of the premises used was of paramount importance. 

In reply to a question regarding the distinction between short term intervention and long term care, it was explained that the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 placed a duty on Local Authorities to assess social care needs.  The National Assistance Act 1948 and Chronically Sick and Disabled Act 1970 provided for the provision of services to meet any eligible needs.  This could be achieved through third party arrangements as currently exist with domiciliary care and residential services.

Members raised the following points in supporting the retention of the respective Centres:-

-          The importance of ensuring Local Member involvement at every stage of the consultation process was highlighted.  Concern was expressed that the withdrawal of the subsidy for fees had excluded a significant number of potential service users from the consultation process which could subsequently impact on the consultation feedback, and that the provision of services through the private sector would not meet the standards currently provided.  The increase in fees also deterred users from utilising the facilities which provided the impression the services were not required.

-          Concerns were also raised that some carers were now paying for day care for loved ones from their own carers allowances.

-          Reference was made to the excellent staff and facilities currently available, the possible loss of jobs if privatised, the importance of community spirit and the companionship that these establishments offered, and the need for the Authority to continue the provision of high level services.

-          In considering the Options, Councillor J. Butterfield felt that it would be important to take into account the under spend of £713k within the Directorate.  She explained that it would be important to retain the services within the respective Centres which had been purpose built.  It was also felt that the imminent announcements regarding the NHS Service Reviews would not have an impact in respect of the provision of this service.

-          The assessment and consultation processes, particular reference to issues pertaining to fees, were questioned

-                Concerns were expressed that the number of day care places available in Prestatyn had reduced considerably following the closure of Llys Nant

-          Concerns were raised by Councillor D. Simmons regarding

The Head of Adult and Business Services referred to the following key issues in responding to Members:-

·        Local Members had been involved in the consultation process and been invited to attended the Focus Group meetings

·        Fees and charges had been agreed by Cabinet with a maximum charge of £50 per week levied for home care services, as per Welsh Government (WG) guidelines, which could be waived if the service user could not afford the specified charge.  It was confirmed that the Authority would be required to meet any needs identified regardless of any costs.

·        Consultation would encompass the wider community, including service users, potential service users and staff, and an Equality Impact Assessment would be undertaken.

·        Details were provided of the consultation undertaken as part of the review with, staff, users and carers at the 2 Centres.

During the ensuing discussion the Committee agreed that a Consultation Plan should be adopted which had to be clear, precise, transparent and involve Local Members at every stage.  Members also agreed that the Consultation Plan should identify all interested stakeholders and that the consultation results should be report back to the Committee in due course.  Members

RESOLVED:-

(a)   that the report be received.

(b)   the preferred option be endorsed for formal consultation with all relevant stakeholders;

(c)   that Local Members be included in the consultation process at every stage, and

(d)   that the results of the consultation exercise be submitted to the Committee at its October meeting.