Agenda item

Context:

Members received a report in order to brief the Adult Select Committee on the Social

Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014, which provides the legislative basis for social services in Wales from April 2016. The report also set out the implementation actions required at a regional and local level.

The Chair advised that in terms of scrutiny it was important for the Committee to fully understand the implications of the Council and to derive assurance that the Council were ready for the requirements of the Act.

Member Scrutiny:

Following presentation of the report Members were invited to comment, during which time the following points were noted:

In response to a Member query regarding which areas would be chargeable we were informed by the Head of Adult Services that there was scoping work to be done surrounding preventative services.  Officers would scrutinise the code of practice and identify areas where a charge could be added, which would then be discussed further with Adults Select.

We heard that MCC had been given a real opportunity to shape the Act and officers were very positive about what the Act would bring.

In response to a question surrounding the burden on staff with regards to training it was explained that the training had been put together with a mix of procured providers, along with staff who trained as trainers from local authorities.  4 staff from MCC had been to the ‘train as trainers’ and had been provided with fantastic training material.  It had been decided not to send staff on the assessment and meeting needs training as MCC were so far progressed in this area.

A Member questioned if there was a timeline in mind with regards to regular reporting to the Committee.  It was considered to be worthwhile to update the Committee in 12 months to note any changes and to identify any challenges that had arisen, noting that any problems could be brought forward sooner.  It was agreed that the timing would also fit well with the Population Needs Assessment.

The Chair raised a question regarding the charging and financial assessment and whether it would have an impact on our capacity, or would we need to change the ways we do business.  In response the Head of Adult Services advised that one of the aspects of the Act brings in another duty to assess people at home.  Officers were not certain what the resource implications or demand would be, but would be considered when assessing the charging responsibility.  It could be an extra resource burden depending on the demand it creates.  The Chair noted that effort should be made to ensure the appropriate resources were in place, and should any problems arise from the implementation of the Act the Committee should be advised.

The Head of Adult Services wished to inform the Committee of the responsibility for the secure prisoner state, a new responsibility for officers.  A number of staff based in the Monmouth team were currently being vetted to be able to be the people who would coordinate discharge planning.

A Member questioned if we provided training to bring providers up to our required standard.  We heard that the Social Care Training Grant allowed us to develop the training for the whole workforce, and officers would look to what was relevant to the Act.

The Chair suggested that the prison aspect may be brought to Committee sooner to allow better understanding of the implications.  It was noted that the safeguarding framework remained unchanged.

Members were advised of an event being held the following day at Llanishen, which was open to all Members and staff, to provide an opportunity to gain further information on all aspects of the Act.

Recommendations:

The report recommended that Adult Select Committee consider the content of this report and the actions required to implement the Social Services and Well-being Act in Monmouthshire County Council by April 2016.