Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Community Support Services (copy enclosed) which details the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group.

 

                                                                                 9.35 a.m. – 10.25 a.m.

 

A copy of a report by the Head of Community Support Services (HCSS), had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

 

The Chair of the In-house Social Care Task and Finish Group (T&FG), Council;lor W. Mullen-James, provided a summary of the purpose and work of the T&FG, and thanked the officers for their hard work.  She explained the remit of the Group had been to consult on the future of in-house adult social care and ensure cost effectiveness and best value for money in Denbighshire, while ensuring users retain their identity and links with the community.

 

The Head of Community Support Services (HCSS) outlined the results from the T&FG following the first stage of the consultation process, which included information gathered from reviews of individuals and families who use the services.  The Committee had been requested to comment on the information gathered and subsequent recommendations by the T&FG on the options to present to Cabinet for formal consultation with all stakeholders.  An options appraisal had been developed for each of the in-house services which had been considered by the Committee in October, 2014 and Cabinet in December, 2014, and their recommendations had been included in the report.

 

Councillor R.L. Feeley explained that the word “consultation” had been changed on the advice of the Consultation Institute to ensure the process was perceived as an information gathering exercise involving families and service users, prior to undertaking a full and proper consultation.

 

Details of the methodology agreed by CET for assessing the needs of individuals and gathering their views on the future of the service, as well as the terms of reference and timescales for the consultation, had been provided.  The suggestions from the T&FG, Appendix 1, clearly demonstrated that the assessments and views of individuals and families had been taken into account in offering solutions that focus on modernising service delivery through meeting the expectations of Welsh Government and the wider population on what modern care and support looks like, at the same time as focusing resources towards the areas of highest demand while also delivering the savings required.

 

The results from the information gathering had been included in the report with regard to Hafan Deg Rhyl, Dolwen Denbigh, Awelon Ruthin, Cysgod y Gaer Corwen and the Extra Care Schemes in Prestatyn, Rhyl and Ruthin.

 

The Committee were informed that the total amount of the savings identified in the proposals would equate to £680k over a 2 year period.  Details of the consultation process undertaken, and possible risks and the steps implemented to mitigate them, had been incorporated in the report.

 

The Chief Executive explained that Cabinet’s recommendation for wider consultation had commenced with service users’ needs having being assessed.  He suggested that the findings from the wider consultation on residential and extra care provision, supported by local and national evidence, be reported explicitly and succinctly back to Cabinet.  It was felt that the findings of the consultation be presented to the Consultation Institute, and details of the rational for change be presented to the public.

 

Reference was made by the Chief Executive to the overwhelming evidence against traditional residential care homes, with the majority of service users expressing a desire to remain in their own homes with extra care support.  Details of options for possible joint working arrangements with the Health Authority were outlined.  However, the Chief Executive explained that it would be inappropriate not to develop proposals whilst joint working with the Health Board was not a viable solution.

 

The HCSS explained that the report reflected the views of the public and service users, with the original proposals having been amended to incorporate really good solutions to provide support.  It was confirmed that no timetable or dates had yet been agreed and changes would not be implemented, or referrals stopped, prior to a decision having been agreed by Cabinet.  Reference was made to the high standard of service provided by Denbighshire care workers, and to possible future collaborative working with the Health Authority.  He made reference to the statement of intent, future training targets and possible savings being achieved by the delivery of services in a different way.

 

Confirmation was provided by the HCSS that service users could remain in their current placements and that the Authority would be required to meet their needs.  However, alternative methods of provision could be considered and details were provided of the service provision to support carers.

 

Councillor H. Hilditch-Roberts referred to the decision made by Cabinet that a wider consultation exercise be undertaken involving the public.  He explained that whilst he embraced change he felt that only a commentary of the current situation had been provided and there had been no evidence of benefits to the public and service users included in the report.  The need for the provision of explicit evidence that service users desired more independence was highlighted, together with, the development of a strategic plan prior to reaching any final conclusion.  He also emphasised the importance of the need to outline the strategic view of care in Denbighshire to ensure clarity in the future.  Councillor Roberts queried how the future provision of care for the Ruthin area would be met.

 

The following issues were raised by Members, and responses provided by the officers:-

 

·            Any concerns expressed by members of staff regarding future service provision and requirements had been addressed promptly.

·            The quality of service provision was monitored on a regular basis, with quality control ensuring that provision standards were met.

·            Training targets were in situ to ensure that staff employed in independent organisations had the correct training.

·            It was explained that the costs relating to service provision would reduce, but could increase over a period of time with inflation.

·            Members expressed the view that the level of Welsh language provision within the service should be maintained.

·            Support was expressed for the Cabinet decision relating to Dolwen, and regarding the continuity of staff within the different categories in the Home.

·            Reference was made to the link between the NHS and Social Care providers.

·            Concern was expressed that the level of day care provided by Denbighshire and its staff could not be emulated by private day care providers.

·            All relevant stake holders, including housing associations, to be included in the consultation process.

 

At the discretion of the Chair Mr David Jones of Llangollen spoke of the service provision in the Llangollen area and the declining service demands as a result of a change in eligibility requirements.  He referred to the possible increase in service costs per resident as a consequence and outlined the opportunities available to Denbighshire to influence the Health Board towards ensuring appropriate social care provision.

 

The Chair made reference to the support expressed for the decision made by Cabinet with regard to a wider consultation exercise for future reports to include details of the relevant research undertaken and a consultation period, which could be extended if required.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee:-

 

(a)  supports the Cabinet’s consideration of a report in September in respect of undertaking a public consultation.

(b)  recommends that proposals or options in future reports explicitly detail underlying research and evidence, and

(c)  recommends that, if required, the consultation period be capable of being extended.