Minutes

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mr I R Stephens (Chairman), Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mrs B D Clough, Mr J H Fleming (deputising for Mr G P Price), Mr C Hancock, Mr G S Kendall, Mrs E Oulton, Mr R C Richards, Mr D G Williams

Apologies :

Mrs D Gardiner, Mr A J Mellor, Mr G P Price

Portfolio Holder :

Mr R G Mazillius

Also Present (Non Voting) :

Mr B C Buckle

44. MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT, subject to the addition of Mrs B D Clough in the list of those present, the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2002 be confirmed.

45. PRESENTATION ON A CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITY

The Chairman introduced and welcomed Mr M Flux an independent Nursing Home provider to the meeting.

The Select Committee received a presentation that focussed on the estimated demographic changes to the Island’s elderly population and the suggested effects these could have on the future of nursing care provision. Mr Flux raised a number of issues regarding care homes and the new regulations that had recently been imposed by the National Standard Care Commission. Mr Flux considered that thought should be given to developing a strategy of purpose built care homes surrounded by units providing independent living for the elderly.

The Chairman thanked Mr Flux for his interesting and informative presentation.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT Officers continue to work with National health Service partners and the Independent Sector to provide social care solutions and report back to the Select Committee

(ii) THAT the cross-cutting issues of care provision and housing needs be considered by the Planning Policy Task Group

46. REPORTS OF THE ACTING STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING

(a) Budget Monitoring Report as at End of October 2002

The Acting Strategic Director set out the budget and spending position on both revenue and capital for the services within the Select Committee’s remit as at the end of October 2002. The Director indicated that there was currently a potential overspend of approximately £38,000 which was 0.1% of the directorate budget. This figure had risen since the end of September from £24,000. It was also indicated that as requested the format of the capital budget had been changed to include committed monies.

Members raised a number of questions relating to overspends on the revenue budget. It was highlighted that greater explanation was sometimes required, in particular to clarify overspends that may relate to the following years budget. Clarification was sought on the current waiting times for disabled grants. Members requested that more use be made of the comments column in the revenue budget paper

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be noted and that full details for waiting times for disabled grants be included in the report to the Select Committee in January 2003 on performance.

(b) Emergency Duty Service (Out of Hours) Best Value Improvement Plan

The Select Committee gave consideration to the Improvement Plan for the Out of Hours Emergency Duty Service. The Best Value Review and Improvement Plan of the newly named Emergency Duty Service had been considered by the Select Committee on 6 March 2002 and by the Executive on 31 May 2001. The Social Services Inspectorate had awarded the Out of Hours Service the equivalent of a 3 star rating which was considered to be “Good and very likely to improve”.

In discussion, it was clarified that the improvement plan was an interim report and that the full plan with SMART objectives would be brought back to the committee at a later date.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Committee note the contents of the interim report and receive a full Annual Report on the implementation of the full SMART Best Value Improvement Plan at the end of the current financial year.

Consideration was given to the monthly homeless statistics and nomination statistics for October 2002. The new format which included percentages had been agreed with the Select Committee Chairman.

In discussion concern was raised regarding the time taken to make a decision on a homeless application. It was explained that a great deal of background research was required on each application and there was a requirement that all correspondence be in writing which delayed the already complex process. It was noted that a higher number than expected of empty properties had been brought back into use since April. Members were advised that this was due to additional funding the Council had received from the Government’s Bed and Breakfast Unit.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Select Committee continue to closely monitor figures on a monthly basis until the position be review at the end of the financial year in 2003.

(d) Action Plan Following the Inspection of Social Care Services for Older People

As Members of the Committee were aware the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) carried out an inspection of social care services for older people from in June 2002. Members had received a presentation from the SSI at its meeting on the 15 October 2002 outlining the findings of the inspection to the Committee. The Action Plan was based on the recommendations of the SSI.

A number of questions were raised relating to the indicated timescales and progress of the plan. Members considered that some areas required more detail. In particular it was indicated that work was being undertaken on value for money within the homecare service. In discussion it was agreed that the newly established Homecare Task Group include this in their work programme and work with the Officers already involved in the exercise.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Action Plan be reviewed by the Select Committee in May 2003

(ii) THAT column 4 in the plan be amended to show clear target dates

47. CHAIRMANS THANKS

(a) The Head of Housing

The Chairman and Select Committee gave there thanks to Mr C Binnie, the Head of Housing on his retirement from the Council.

RESOLVED :

THAT Mr C Binnie be thanked for his hard work and professionalism throughout his career at the Isle of Wight Council.

(b) To all Social Service Staff

The Chairman and Select Committee expressed their grateful thanks to Social Services staff for achieving the two star standard awarded by the Social Services Inspectorate

RESOLVED :

THAT the Select Committee record its thanks to Social Services staff for their hard work and dedication.

CHAIRMAN