MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2003 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mr I R Stephens (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mrs B D Clough, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr C R Hancock, Mr G S Kendall, Mr A J Mellor, Mrs E Oulton, Mr R C Richards, Mr D G Williams
Portfolio Holder :
Mr R G Mazillius
Also Present (Non Voting) :
Mr J A Bowker
58. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT, subject to the resolution of Minute 51 being amended to note the report, the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2003 be confirmed.
59. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT AS AT END OF DECEMBER 2002
The Select Committee received the budget monitoring report which set out the budget and spending position on both revenue and capital for the services within the Committee’s remit.
In discussion the cost of advertising for social workers and temporary staff cover was raised. It was thought that this could be done centrally, however it was explained that there was no central personnel budget. In discussion, It was noted that the Select Committee would receive a report at its meeting on 4 March 2003 addressing the progress of the recruitment and retention of Social Workers.
The overspend within the CCTV budget was considered. Members had been advised at the Committee’s meeting on the 14 January 2003 that placement of the budget within social services was being addressed. Members were updated that a corporate review group had been established and within the group there was a general acceptance that the CCTV budget was inappropriately sited within the Social Services budget. It was noted that unfortunately the outcome of discussions would not benefit the budget for 2003/04.
Concern was raised regarding the potential overspend of £31,997 within the Unallocated Housing Capital. It was requested that details of the overspend be circulated to Members of the Select Committee.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
60. HOMELESSNESS MONITORING AND NOMINATION STATISTICS
Consideration was given to the report of the Strategic Director which outlined the Homelessness Monitoring and Nomination Statistics for December 2003.
Members raised concerned regarding the low number of properties being leased by Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s). The Select Committee were assured that this was being addressed through on-going discussions.
In discussion it was agreed that the format of the monthly reported be slightly adjusted to include Performance Indicators.
Members noted that in general the overall figures of families with children in Bed and Breakfast was improving, with the number decreasing from 72 as at 31 March 2002 to 49 as at end of 31 December 2002.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
61. HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
The Select Committee received the Homelessness Action Plan which appraised Members of the progress made in implementing the Homelessness and Housing Advice Improvement Plan.
The Improvement Plan had been agreed with the Audit Commission geared towards addressing some of the weaknesses identified by the Best Value Review of the Housing Service undertaken in August 2002.
Members were advised that the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) now required Authorities to produce a new homelessness strategy. The ODPM had advised Authorities that the new strategy should put greater emphasis on user perception of service, in the development of sustainable homelessness prevention and recognition of homelessness with the overall context of the housing market. It was noted that a Steering Group had been established to address this task. The Group comprised a range of agencies and individuals to enable consultation and debate.
Members were concerned that the requirement for local connections could not be extended from 6 to 9 months. It was suggested that the Council along with other Local Authorities should make joint representation to the Government regarding this issue.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT the Homelessness Action Plan be accepted
(b) THAT negotiations take place with neighbouring Authorities to make joint representation to the Government regarding the extension to the criteria for “local connections”
62. SCRUTINY SESSION ON PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM
The Select Committee were reminded that the scrutiny session had been requested at the Committee’s away day on the 6 June 2002 to give members the opportunity to question the Portfolio Holder and Officers on issues concerning the provision of services for adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
The Chairman welcomed Mrs Chris Partridge to the meeting, Mrs Partridge’s brother, Colin, had been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome four years ago and since that time had been supported by Social Services Learning Disability Services. Mrs Partridge thanked Social Services and the Head of Adult Services for the assistance and guidance they had provided within their limited resources. Mrs Partridge explained the difficulties she had encountered seeking support for her brother. The Committee were advised that the disorder in its milder form did not meet adult service eligibility criteria, as it was not in itself classified as a learning disability. Members heard that a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum where the person had an I.Q. over 70 did not entitle people to a service and that Social Services did not have sufficient resources to provide adequate care and support to either the person or their families where such a diagnosis existed.
The Head of Adult Services advised members that steps were being taken to address the shortfall. Training for Care Managers with the Autistic Society had been arranged and last year a growth bid had been made to start addressing the higher end of the spectrum, unfortunately this growth bid was not successful. It was highlighted that one of the main difficulties with Autistic Spectrum Disorder was that there were varying degrees of the disorder and that sufferers were not always diagnosed until symptoms of the disorder had become extreme.
The Select Committee were advised that Mrs Partridges brother was now receiving specialised care from fully trained staff who were able to communicate with Colin and enable him to lead as independent a life as possible.
RESOLVED :
THAT Mrs Partridge be thanked for attending the meeting.
63. CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSON’S COMMITTEE
The Select Committee received the minutes of the meeting of the Children and Young Person’s Committee held on 7 January 2003.
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes be noted.
64. EXTRACT FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL FORWARD PLAN - JANUARY TO APRIL 2003 (SOCIAL SERVICES ITEMS ONLY)
RESOLVED :
THAT the Forward Plan be noted.
CHAIRMAN