Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made by Members.

No Members of the public were present.

The minutes of the Joint Select Committee (Budget Scrutiny) meeting held on 31^st January 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

The minutes of the Joint Children and Young People’s Select and Adults Select Committee meeting held on 6^th February 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

The minutes of the Special Adults Select Committee (Affordable Housing) meeting held on 14^th February 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

The minutes of the Joint Select Committee (Alternative Delivery Model) meeting held on 27^th February 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

The minutes of the Adults Select Committee meeting held on 28^th February 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

Context

The purpose of the report is for Committee members to consider the Supporting People Programme Grant (SPPG) proposals for 2017/18 and to agree the proposed Spend Plan.

Key Issues

The Indicative Allocation of Grant for 2017/18 suggests that the level of funding will be the same as for 2016/17 - £2,039,175.00. The majority of Monmouthshire’s SPPG contracts have an end/review date of 31 March 2019.

The guidelines associated with the Grant require Authorities to ensure that Grant Funding is both tenure and age neutral in nature. Demand for older people housing-based support has declined with the allowable 10% contract variation already being implemented in the main older person contract. During 2017/18, the main older person contract will end, the provider having given notice to terminate the contract. 

Support to older people will then be available through the place-based model and the Gateway.  This is a generic floating support service and an analysis of the outcomes delivered by the generic services demonstrates that support is provided to all the support categorisations and therefore all the protected characteristics. The transition arrangements will be managed through the Gateway who will ensure that all people currently being supported have their needs reassessed and are then referred to the appropriate service delivery that will meet their needs.

In 2016/17, two important pilot initiatives were developed – Homeless and well-being support and social inclusion support, both within the place-based initiatives. Whilst the initiatives did not get fully underway until September/October 2016, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of people supported within the overall static grant funding, with an associated increase in the outcome being achieved. 

Access for older people will now be predominately through our Gateway service with its associated support workers in the place-based teams.

There have been situations identified recently in which the needs of younger people and care leavers have not been fully met by the SP programme. It is important that positive action is taken to ensure that this vulnerable and protected characteristic is supported appropriately. A designated resource is assigned in the spend plan.

The majority of contracts run until March 2019; funding levels remain unchanged; and the place-based initiative is making a very positive contribution to those requiring support in the communities. This new way of working allows support to be provided based on need and not be associated purely with where a person lives.

Monmouthshire’s demographics have made older people a priority need, however, the support needs for this category have changed over time and decreased. Closer working across the Adult and Younger Person services has identified that further, targeted support is needed for the young care leavers.

Member Scrutiny

The Supporting People Lead and the Head of Adult Services introduced the context of the report.  Following the presentation, Members made observations as follows:

A Member asked if the Welsh Government (WG) continues to reclaim funding not spent or for ineligible projects.  In response it was explained that a service review is conducted every year  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Key Issues

The Chief Officer for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) Community Health Council (CHC) was invited to the meeting to provide an update on the work of Community Health Council.

Member Scrutiny

After receiving a presentation, Members commented and asked questions as follows:

A Member referred to the role of the CHC representing the interests of the public to the ABUHB and questioned what its stance was on the removal of minor injuries units in Monmouthshire to Nevill Hall Hospital.  It was responded that the CHC is heavily involved, working with the ABUHB, in the implementation of any service changes to ensure that patients’ views are taken into account. 

It was additionally queried how members of the public obtain and input information as the CHC meetings are not open to the public.  In response, it was explained that awareness of the CHC is a challenge and high on its agenda but added that when people need its services, they tend to find it (evidenced by the fact that over 500 complaints about ABUHB services are dealt with per year).  Additionally, it was explained that CHC has 42 members (10 living in Monmouthshire) and they are expected to engage with the public as part of their role.  There is an engagement schedule for the year to encourage interaction at e.g. local forums, luncheon clubs etc. 

It was confirmed that quarterly CHC meetings are open to the public and are advertised to encourage attendance.  It was added that there are vacancies currently and new members are sought.

A Member asked how effective the CHC is when dealing with patients’ concerns (e.g. GP surgery hours, vacant practices and out of hours cover) and what realistically can be done.  In response, it was explained that when CHC is aware of issues, it can make recommendations to ABUHB which will provide an action plan to rectify the problems raised.  It was confirmed that GP sustainability is a key issue and that CHC is heavily involved in panel meetings with Primary Care and sits independently on the local medical committee to ensure that there are fair processes concerning these matters.  It was added there is also a GP access survey available online and some responses may lead to further investigation and engagement with patients.

A Member suggested provision of a monthly health clinic at the Raglan livestock market for basic health assessment.  It was agreed that the CHC would pass this suggestion on to ABUHB.

It was observed that the CHC holds the role of supporting people with complaints about ANUHB services.  It was reported that some patients had reported that it can be difficult to make complaints, and had added that the CHC is too close to ABUHB so there was no point in complaining.  The Member further referred to some research previously undertaken by the CHC on waiting times in hospital clinics questioning the standard of the work.  

In response, it was confirmed that the CHC is an independent statutory organisation. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Key Issues

The Select Committee Members had conducted a useful visit to Usk Prison and subsequent to that a Member had attended a meeting of the Usk Prison Older Persons Health and Wellbeing Forum and had written a report for consideration by the Select Committee.

Member Scrutiny

Following presentation of the report, Members made observations:

A Member commented that prisoners reported being bored for significant lengths of time and queried the availability of arts and crafts. A representative of the Prison explained that a number of different activities and initiatives have been started and have been well received.  It is hoped that interest in these activities will increase.

It was explained, in response to a question regarding specialist clinics, that the ABUHB have agreed to submit a business case for a physio clinic to be provided at the prison.  It was added that a mindfulness programme has started and is proving popular as are yoga sessions.  It is also hoped to introduce sessions in Prescoed.  It was explained that the Prison has invested in buddy training with Recoup and training of staff, and for prisoners who wish to undertake the role, will be arranged in due course.  The information provided was welcomed.

The Action List was noted.

It was noted that there were a few items not covered during the year that will be added to the Forward Work Programme such as an ongoing dialogue with the ABUHB, ongoing scrutiny of stroke services and maintaining a dialogue with the CHC.  Efforts will continue to invite relevant officers, stakeholders and service users to provide the fullest perspective of each topic and meaningful and relevant meetings.

The Committee thanked the Chair for his excellent Chairmanship of the Committee, his knowledge and sense of humour.  The Chair responded that it had been a privilege to be Chair of the Committee.  He thanked his Vice Chair, County Councillor R. Harris, Members and Co-Opted Members.  He thanked Julie Boothroyd and the entire Social Services team and welcomed the honesty exhibited in exploring and shaping services.  He thanked the Democratic Services Team for clerking the meetings and especially expressed gratitude to Hazel Ilett, Scrutiny Manager for her guidance and planning the Committee’s work in an exemplary manner.  Julie Boothroyd acknowledged the work of the Committee.

County Councillor P. Jones, in her role as Chair, also expressed gratitude to Hazel Ilett and Richard Williams for their work with the Children and Young People’s Select Committee.

Committee Members responded in agreement with the comments made.

The Cabinet and Council Work Programme was noted.