Agenda item

To review progress on implementation of the policy.

Cabinet Member Ian Chandler andJane Rodgers introduced the report and answered the members’ questionswith Diane Corrister. 

Key questions from Members: 

·            A member asked about the public consultation process in relation to locations for residential care homes and sought reassurance that due diligence is applied. The Cabinet Member clarified that while there is no public consultation for specific property acquisitions, local elected members are consulted. Once a property is acquired, engagement sessions with immediate neighbours are held to ensure good relations. 

·            The delays in the development of children's residential placements was raised, with members asking if there is any hope of bringing forward the completion dates. Officers explained that while there have been delays, the properties will be ready by their respective deadlines. The transition work for supported accommodation has already commenced. 

·            The reliance on grants was raised, with members asking about the potential impact if a grant is not approved. Officers clarified that the money for the Caerphilly technical team is already encompassed within the original grant, so there will be no detrimental effect if the new grant is not approved. Grants are pursued for capital purchases, but revenue is not reliant on grants. Future projects may involve prudential borrowing if grants are not available. 

·            Questions were asked about the structure for purchasing properties. The criteria for property purchaseswere explained, including physical requirements and location considerations, and value for money in relation to business cases was stressed. 

·            Members queried the transition of risks from for-profit to in-house provision. Officers explained that transition risks include workforce recruitment and the challenges of setting up in-house residential teams. Partnerships with experienced providers and regional colleagues help to mitigate these risks. 

·            The mentorship for care leavers was raised, with members strongly supporting the need for ongoing support. Officers explained that mentorship for care leavers is provided through personal assistants and peer support groups. Efforts are made to integrate young people into their communities. 

·            It was asked what role and powers the council has if a private provider were to open a home somewhere that we would consider inappropriate. Officers responded that the council has little control over that, with the registration process undertaken by Care Inspectorate Wales, who have their own regulations and requirements.  

·            There were questions about the technical elements needed for developing in-house residential care placements and workforce recruitment risks.Officers explained that workforce recruitment is challenging, but the council aims to attract workers through unique selling points and good terms and conditions. 

·            Clarity was sought on the regional not-for-profit market and members queried the opportunities for potential future partnerships.Officers explained that the appetite for not-for-profit providers to expand is constrained, but efforts are ongoing to build partnerships. 

·            A member sought reassurance that we are not considering bringing back young people into the county who are in settled and successful placements elsewhere. Officers explained that each case is considered individually, and the best long-term interests of the young person are prioritized. Some children with complex needs might not be brought back. 

·            A question was asked aboutadditional capacity being included in the original business case. Officers clarified that the additional costs of a service manager was built into the first two business cases as part of the ongoing revenue cost. 

·            Members asked how much input young people have had in the development of the properties, and what the potential career development is for workers in the new service. Officers explained that young people have been involved in recruitment and visiting properties, while residential care is a great entry point for careers in social work, and Monmouthshire has a history of growing its own talent. 

Chair’s Summary: 

The Chair extended his thanks, on behalf of members, to every member of staff across the whole of Adults and Children’s social care, emphasising that members are conscious of the fact that these reports are about individual people and the great work and efforts made by all the staff. The report was moved.