PAPER C

SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE – 4 DECEMBER 2003

REPORT ON THE PROVISION OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR ON BEHALF OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING DIRECTORATE

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

This report sets out the details of current budget expenditure for the services provided by the Voluntary Sector on behalf of the Social Services and Housing Directorate. The report seeks to update members with regard to the actions taken to date to review expenditure, revisit service levels and contractual agreements, and propose new ways of commissioning services as part of the budget headroom exercise for 2004/05.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To make recommendations

BACKGROUND

Members will be aware of the valuable role played by the Voluntary Sector over many years in supporting the Isle of Wight Council to maintain and deliver essential services, particularly in the field of Social Care. The recently launched Compact Agreement between the Isle of Wight Council and the Voluntary Sector restated the importance of this partnership.

Members will recall that representatives of the Rural Community Council and the Voluntary Sector attended committee recently, outlining their contributions to service delivery, discussing the importance of the Compact, raising too other matters of mutual interest. The review of services provided by the sector, is in part the results of this dialogue, members of the select committee requiring more detail.

The diversity of current activity is detailed in Appendix 1. The services provided being purchased on a referred client basis using the various eligibility criteria for each client group, services being procured through a variety of methods e.g. grant aid, service level agreements, and specific contractual arrangements.

Members should be aware, that earlier this year the Voluntary Sector made representation to the Joint Commissioner setting out their case with regard to an increase in the price paid for their services. A figure of 17% was suggested and as yet no agreement has been reached, however on-going and productive discussions are taking place. The Deputy Director of Commissioning and Partnerships met recently with the sector and the directorate’s contracts unit to progress a plan of action to address both the remuneration and review issues. In addition the directorate is seeking to support the Voluntary Sector through a variety of non-financial initiatives, e.g. free rental arrangements, training and advice initiatives, plus providing support, through the Isle of Wight Council Corporate Policy Team, to access other grant funding streams, such as the European Social Fund, etc.

Several voluntary organisations have already benefited and a variety of services have been considerably enhanced, by the use of the Supporting People initiative monies, through other grant aided schemes and the fairer charging policy implementation.

It is intended to further enhance partnership arrangements by facilitating a number of conferences, seminars and user groups to encourage further dialogue.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

· The Voluntary Sector Compact

· Best Value Review of Meals and other best value reports

· SSI Inspection Standards

· The full range of legislation with regard to Health, Social Care and Housing, across all client groups.

· Inspection standards and audit requirements

· Procurement guidelines

· IWC standing orders

· Performance assessment framework

· Key indicators

· Various National Service Framework requirements.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

User and provider groups, RCC etc.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

Financial implications. These as yet to be determined following completion of the headroom exercise.

Legal implications. To ensure the effective maintenance of our statutory duties and contractual obligations.

Crime and Disorder – Section 17 requirements have been taken into account.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

Appendix 1 – Details of expenditure.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

As detailed within the report (relevant plans, policies, strategies and performance indicators)

Contact Point. Dawn Cousins, 520600 Ext 2236

GORDON KENDALL

Portfolio Holder for Social Services and Housing