Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor R.L. Feeley, Lead Member for Social Care and Children’s Services (copy enclosed) detailing the recent developments in the proposed arrangements for the Supporting People Programme and sought Cabinet agreement to Lead Member representation on the Regional Collaborative Committee.

Councillor Feeley presented the report which outlined recent developments in the proposed arrangements for the Supporting People Programme (SPP) and sought Cabinet agreement to Lead Member representation on the Regional Collaborative Committee.

A summary of the key changes to the administration of the SPP which were taking place across Wales was provided.  These included moves towards a new funding distribution formula and the transfer of contracting responsibilities for some services from Welsh Government to local authorities.  New governance arrangements, including Regional Collaborative Committees (RCC) with key responsibilities for the SPP, were currently being established across Wales.

It was explained that the SPP was a significant Programme providing “housing related” support services to a wide range of vulnerable groups.  Its aim being to enable them to maintain secure housing while developing other aspects of their lives promoting independence.  The Programme had been evaluated at national level and shown to deliver very positive financial and non financial benefits.  In 2011/12, Denbighshire received £6.9m of funding via the SPP which funded approximately 2404 units of support, a maximum capacity including older people warden services, at any one time, across a range of intensities of interventions.

The key recommendations of the independent review of the SPP, commissioned by the Welsh Government (WG), had been included in the report, together with, a summary of the most notable implications for Denbighshire, which included funding issues.  The Leader and Councillor Feeley stressed that Scrutiny would have an important role to play in monitoring and overseeing the programme as it developed, and it was agreed that this be included in the relevant Scrutiny Committee Work Programme.  The Corporate Director: Modernisation and Wellbeing referred to Denbighshire’s uneasy regarding the development of the programme, particularly the balance of power at regional and individual Authority level with regard to the decision making process.  In response to a question from the Leader, the Corporate Director expressed concern regarding the composition of the RCC’s and possibility of conflict between the providers of service and organisations who commission services.

Members were informed that in some respects the proposed changes had been controversial.  However, following consultation and negotiation the WG had made some amendments to guidance, particularly around the role of the RCC.  The WLGA had indicated their support for the new arrangements and the WG had made a commitment that the arrangements outlined in the guidance would be reviewed within the transition year.  All regions had been asked to demonstrate, by 1st August, 2012 their “readiness” to establish RCC’s and North Wales had met the criteria set down by WG.  Denbighshire had accepted the new grant terms and conditions and the new guidance.  However, there were outstanding concerns which had been formally logged with WG.

Details pertaining to the new delivery structure had been included in Appendix I.  This included the proposed role for the RCC and the Co-ordinating Local Authority, and also outlined how the individual Local Authority role would be envisaged as fitting with the regional structure.  The recommendations set out in paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 of the report reflected the view that, despite the risks, Denbighshire should participate in the new arrangements.  However, it was explained that the impact of the risks pertaining to the new arrangements would require careful scrutiny over the next 12 months as the major changes were introduced.

In reply to concerns expressed by Councillor J.R. Bartley regarding the reduction in budget provision impacting on service delivery levels, the possible implications for Denbighshire and the replacement of Wardens when retiring or vacating posts.  It was explained that the SPP would not impact on the Warden Service which would be the subject of a review.

Following further discussion, it was:-

RESOLVED:- that Cabinet:-

(a)      nominates the Lead Member for Social Care and Children’ Services to be Denbighshire County Council’s elected member representative on the North Wales Supporting People Regional Collaborative Committee, with the Director of Modernisation and Wellbeing as the delegated official in her absence, and

(b)   refers the impact of the new Supporting People arrangements on the delivery and funding of Supporting People services in Denbighshire, for in-depth consideration as part of Scrutiny Work Programmes.