MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 7 APRIL 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, Mr C R Hancock, Mr G S Kendall, Mr V J Morey, Mrs E Oulton, Mr D G Williams

Apologies :

Mrs D Gardiner

Portfolio Holder :

Mr R G Mazillius

75. MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on the 4 March 2003 be confirmed.

76. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest made at this stage.

77. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT AS AT END OF FEBRUARY 2003

The Select Committee considered the report of the Head of Policy, Performance and Resources on the revenue and capital budget as at the end of February 2003. It was noted that current indications were for a projected potential underspend of ,20,000 in 2002/03.

In discussing the revenue budget the Select Committee was made aware of the number of looked after children and in particular those in residential placements on the mainland. It was anticipated that there could be significant additional costs in this area due to increase charges for residential placements above inflation together with the effect of tax changes affecting Foster Care agencies.

Members were of the belief that the involvement of Housing Services in drainage issues should be reviewed to ascertain if a more structured approach with Highways and Environmental Health could be identified.

Problems had been experienced with unforseen works at the Adelaide, Ryde due to damage to a water pipe. The Select Committee considered that officers should ascertain whether the costs of works was covered by the Council=s insurance.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be accepted.

78. HOMELESSNESS MONITORING AND NOMINATIONS STATISTICS

The Select Committee considered a report by the Head of Housing Services on Homelessness Monitoring and Nomination Statistics for February 2003. The details were provided in a revised format through the use of charts. Whilst members were appreciative of the information supplied they considered that there was still a need to develop the format used.

In discussing the figures presented it was noted that the number of households in bed and breakfast continued to fall. The Council had also been successful in receiving an allocation of ,65,000 for 2003/04 from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the removal of families from bed and breakfast.

RESOLVED :

THAT Councillors Butchers, Kendall and Williams meet with relevant officers to review the presentation of information on homelessness and nomination statistics.

79. EMERGENCY DUTY SERVICE BEST VALUE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

The Head of Children=s Service reminded the Select Committee that at its meeting on 4 December 2002 it requested details of the implementation of the Best Value Improvement Plan for the Out of Hours Service (now named the Emergency Duty Service).

The Manager of the Emergency Duty Service outlined the operation of the service and the demands being made upon it. A number of recent changes, particularly those undertaken within stakeholder agencies, had been reflected in how the service was operated.

There were growing expectations for a 24 hour, 7 day a week service and it was necessary to ensure there were not gaps in provision. To assist in this a number of Protocols were in place which identified responsibilities and standards.

Members were made aware that there was a recommendation from Lord Laming that all Local Authorities should provide a 24 hour free telephone number for child abuse referrals. In addition recommendations arising from the Victoria Climbie inquiry would have implications for 24 hour service access.

Service users were to be periodically consulted on the Emergency Duty Service. Additionally a number of improvements were subject to ongoing review and members considered that it was necessary to ensure that these were regularly monitored.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT details of the service users survey be reported to a future meeting.

(ii) THAT the action taken in accordance with the Best Value Improvement Plan be noted.

80. HEALTHFIT PROJECT PLAN

The Chairman of the Select Committee reported on the progress involved with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthfit Project. He also referred to the Council=s responsibilities with regard health scrutiny.

The Select Committee was reminded of the major review being undertaken by the Strategic Health Authority, together with the Primary Care Trust and NHS Healthcare Trust (St Mary=s) on the delivery of health services on the Island. It was necessary to consider the most appropriate time for the Select Committee to get formally involved in the consultation timetable.

Members were also aware of dialogue with the Primary Care Trust and Healthcare Trust on a number of issues where joint service provision could be explored. It was noted that a Patient Advisory Liaison Service was now in operation and this dealt with a range of issues affecting patients. One area the Select Committee considered should be the subject of early in depth discussions between all relevant agencies was transport. This should not only include transport arrangements on the Island but also the needs of those travelling to mainland health care facilities,

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the Select Committee consider the Healthfit Project in September 2003 when the testing of options and informal consultations had been completed.

(ii) THAT the Select Committee receive a quarterly report from the Patient Advisory Liaison Service.

81. FORWARD PLAN - APRIL TO JULY 2003

The Select Committee was made aware of two items that appeared in the Executive=s Forward Plan for April to July 2003 relating to Social Services items.

RESOLVED :

THAT the matters be noted.

CHAIRMAN