Agenda item

A copy of a report by the Performance and Planning Officer, which provided an update on the performance of the Local Service Board (LSB) and Partnerships in delivering The BIG Plan: Part I, 2011-14, and a ‘Summary Exceptions Report’, supported by more detailed chapters for each of The BIG Plan’s eight outcomes, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

 

It was explained that Denbighshire The BIG Plan: 2011-14 (TBP), which was being delivered collaboratively with partner agencies, was the plan driving Partnership working in Denbighshire.  The LSB was accountable for TBP and held partner agencies which included Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), the third sector, NW Police, NW Fire and Rescue Service, Public Health Wales and Denbighshire County Council, responsible for implementing action plans to deliver The BIG Plan and its eight outcomes.  The value of partnership working in delivering The BIG Plan would be examined in more detail in annual and closure reports.

 

The report provided exceptions information for each outcome which allowed Members to focus on areas of weakness.  Partners were halfway through the timescale for delivery and some elements required focus and prioritisation in order to recognise improved outcomes for people in Denbighshire.  Areas highlighted included extending support for older people across the County; addressing the challenges facing Rhyl Town Centre; improving support for young carers; suicide and self-harm prevention; protecting vulnerable people from fire and reviewing partners’ contribution to the Economic and Community Ambition Strategy.  It was explained that a very small number of actions had been planned to start in 2013 with respect to Outcome 8.   The Head of Business, Planning and Performance (HBPP) explained that there were extensive, intractable problematic issues which could take a considerable length of time to address.  However, they were currently assessing if progress was being made in addressing the problems.

 

In response to questions from Members, the Corporate Director: Moderising and Wellbeing (CD:MW) confirmed that the indicators of success for rural areas and mental health and wellbeing had not been robust enough.  This had resulted in a weaker understanding of the impact of TBP and it was confirmed that the indicators would be reviewed.  Some outcomes had not been adequately measured within existing delivery mechanisms and although this had not impacted upon delivery, performance reporting had suffered in some instances, particularly in respect of Outcome 1.  This matter would be resolved as local strategic partnership structures, including Health, Social Care and Wellbeing and Children and Young People’s Partnership, were confirmed.

 

The Committee noted the importance of accurate and timely data collection and good quality reporting to enable effective performance management and partnership decision making.  Mechanisms were in place for gathering evidence of the impact of the interventions on people’s lives, and work was underway to map Partnership resources.  Details relating to this information would be included in the annual report and end of plan report.  It was confirmed that there had been no major obstacles in delivering TBP to date and the Committee were assured that officers were confident that TBP would be delivered.

 

Officers explained that the Corporate Plan had been aligned with TBP and that there was synergy between the seven Corporate Plan Priorities and The BIG Plan’s eight outcomes.  The BCUHB was currently managing an intensive consultation on NHS changes and these would impact on TBP, particularly in respect of joint working models, service configuration and locality-based healthcare.  TBP was an important strategic document which underpinned service delivery quality in a number of areas and any problems with performance may have future implications for the Council's finances

 

The Partnerships and Communities Manager (PCM) referred to the Summary Exceptions Report and provided a brief précis of the 8 Outcomes.  She provided an in depth summary of Outcome 1: “Older people lead independent and fulfilled lives” as an example of the compilation of the information embodied within each of the respective Chapters.

 

The officers responded to the following questions and issues raised by Members of the Committee:-

 

- In reply to concerns raised by the Chair and Councillors M. McCarroll and M.Ll. Davies the CD:MW and the PCM explained that issues pertaining to low birth weight in the County and poorer attainment of children accessing free school meals were unacceptable, but were improving and plans had been introduced to address these problems.  The officers agreed that a note be circulated to Members outlining the Council’s current position in respect of the take up on free school meals and outlining the proactive action being taken in this area and to ensure that children in receipt of free school meals were not stigmatised.

 

- The PCM responded to concerns raised by Councillor J.A. Davies in respect of Outcome 3 and the assessment of achievements of young carers.  She explained that the Welsh Government response confirmed that the Carers Measure had been considered to be a proactive strategy which would raise greater awareness and increase the identification of young and adult carers.  It was confirmed that in future more robust data would be available to identify young carers and their attendance and attainment at school and there had been an increase in responsibility on Health to identify and support carers through the Carers Measure.  Reference was made to the remit of the Regional Carers Strategy Group and that funding provision was currently an unresolved issue.

 

- Councillor J. Butterfield requested details regarding the number, accountability and Member involvement with regard to the various Boards and structures which had been established.  She also made reference to opportunities through Day Care Centres, Benefit Reform and the impact of the Rhyl Going Forward Plan in relation to the effect on businesses and shops on Rhyl High Street.   The HBPP outlined the purpose of the report which had been to provide detailed information and guidance for future progress through collaboration with partners.  He highlighted the importance of the work undertaken through the various forums and partnership structures which would involve the inclusion of Members of the Council.  The HBPP explained that a report in respect of this matter would be submitted to the Local Service Board and could also be presented to the Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

 

- The PCM made reference to Outcome 4 which addressed a number of the concerns raised by Councillor W.N. Tasker regarding homelessness, supported accommodation and house share provision.  The CD:MW referred to the House Share Crisis Intervention Project and the work being undertaken with regard to the possible implications of the Welfare Reforms and the benefit implications for young people.  She explained that Denbighshire had been proactive in addressing issues relating to homelessness, particular reference being made to the work undertaken by the Housing Options Team, assistance provided for Supported Housing Projects, the lodging scheme and the Night Stop Project.  The HBPP referred to the Corporate Plan and confirmed that “ensuring access to good quality housing” was one of the Council’s main priorities for the next 5 years.

 

-  In reply to questions from Councillor M.Ll. Davies, the PCM provided details of the     age distinctions for persons identified as older people and the age group classifications for Young Carers.  The CD:MW confirmed that there was an awareness regarding the implications of the Welfare Reforms in terms of homelessness and housing issues, particularly with regard to young persons.

 

- Councillor E.A. Jones explained that many of the issues of concern raised related to historic problems and she emphasised the importance of family values and the need to educate parents.  Councillor Jones referred to the poverty experienced in the rural areas and the need to unite and link rural communities.  The PCM explained that the Families First report, scheduled to be presented to the Committee in January 2013, would address many of the issues raised in respect of the family focus. 

 

- Reference was made by Councillor M. McCarroll to the success of the ‘Y Dyfodol’/The Future Projects, which provided safe temporary accommodation for young homeless people in need of housing related services.  The Project’s aim had been to enable individuals to access employment or training and move on to permanent accommodation and independent living.

 

- The CD:MW provided a detailed response to questions from Councillor J. Butterfield in relation to the Local Service Board and Multi Agency Boards delivery responsibilities and funding provision.  The HBPP emphasised that the report detailed current activity and confirmed that it had been anticipated that service provision could be improved through partnership working utilising existing resources by adopting a coordinated approach. 

 

Following a brief discussion, it was:-

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee:-

 

(a)  receive and note the contents of the report;

(b)  agrees that a further progress report be presented to the Committee in six months time, and

(c)  receives a report from the Head of Business, Planning and Performance outlining the composition and membership of all Programme and Project Boards which the Council host or participate in, their funding structures, membership and the elements of all Plans and Strategies which they are charged with delivering.