Agenda and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.   Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee which was held on 9^th July 2019

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 9^th July 2019 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

To receive County Borough Councillor G Hopkins (Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Welsh Language), providing scrutiny Members with an overview of the work conducted within the Cabinet Member’s portfolio, a report is attached to accompany this item.

Members were reminded that at the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny held on the 22^nd January 2018 Members agreed to receive Cabinet Members at future Scrutiny meetings on a quarterly basis to present relevant information relating to their portfolio areas, alongside the relevant Director.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Welsh Language thanked the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny for the opportunity to update Members on  his portfolio and took   Members through his report.

He explained that Adult  Social Services and our Wellbeing Services  key priorities  for the Council. In summary a key aim is to support people in their wish to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible, which contributes to improving their long-term wellbeing.

Members were presented with a summary of performance and the Cabinet Member reaffirmed the view that our teams across Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council continue to deliver a high quality of service to people needing care and support. It was also highlighted that the authority continues to demonstrate strong commitment to joint working.

The Cabinet Member then gave an overview of each aspect of the Service under the following headings:

·         How are people shaping our services?

·         Promoting and improving the wellbeing of people, we help; and

·         How are we doing?

After robust discussion, Members put forward their questions and observation. Members thanked the Cabinet Member for his very comprehensive report.

A Member congratulated the service for the work that has been carried out with regards to the remodelling and modernisation of community based services  and felt strongly that the service was going in the right direction as privacy and dignity for our ageing population is a must.

Another Member thanked the Cabinet Member and Officers for the information put before them and was provided with an update on where we are with the Maesyffynon Extra Care Development. The Member then referred to performance indicators for support after reablement and asked why we appeared to be below our target what we are doing about this with an increasingly elderly population.

It was explained that we have set ambitious targets for performance and that whilst performance remains good we will continue to ambitious in our target setting.   The Group Director Community and Children’s Services explained that performance remained good comparatively.

Members wanted clarification as to what part private companies play in the new structure of the Extra Care Facilities.

The Officers explained that the arrangements and confirmed that in accordance with the report approved by Cabinet care would be provided by the Council in a number of new facilities.

Another Member commented on the Extra Care, raised concerns regarding the scope of extra care and whether it was the most appropriate response for individuals with complex needs. Officers explained that the new facilities can be flexible in terms of the level of support provided but that those with more complex needs will be supported in Residential care where required. Extra Care will enhance the range of options  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To receive the Cwm Taf Social Services & Wellbeing Partnership Board Annual Report 2018/19.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services & Welsh Language thanked Members for having the opportunity to present the Cwm Taf Social Services and Wellbeing Partnership Annual Report. He highlighted that this was the first time scrutiny had received the report and hoped that this would become an annual item on the agenda of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny going forward.  

He explained that he would present an overview of the Board and its role. It was explained that the Social Service and Wellbeing Act Wales (2014) identified the statutory need for regions to create Regional Partnership Boards to oversee integrated strategic approaches to deliver integrated Health and Social Care Services.

The Cabinet Member  explained that Welsh Government have more recently published “A Healthier Wales: which also confirmed  the importance of Regional Partnership Working to further  develop new models of integrated Health and Social Care that are innovative  and address regional priorities. He explained that RPBs are expected to provide a strong oversight and coordinating role as highlighted by the expectations of the national Transformation programme.

Members were presented with the key priorities for 2019/20 and were also informed of the Partnerships focus for 2019/20 which are;

·         Developing and embedding new governance arrangements for the new region.

·         Developing a communications strategy and communication capacity to support the Regional Partnerships Board

·         Delivering on the Transformation proposals

·         Explore opportunities for increased social value sector engagements

·         Utilise the monitoring and evaluation arrangements.

After further consideration of the report, Members put forward their question and observations.

A Member thanked the Cabinet Member for a very interesting and useful report.

A Member commented that he could not wait to see the new Stay Well at Home Service going forward, along with the GP Practice Development visits.

Members commented on the concern they have in respect of pay scales, pressure of work, and changing expectations for the work force. Officer explained the Social Care work force is a concern and work is being done to look at the points raised as they play an important part in looking after the wellbeing of our residents in RCT. 

Members thanked Officers for the report and after further discussion RESOLVED:

·         To acknowledge the Cwm Taf Social Services and Wellbeing Partnership Board Annual Report 2018/19

·         To receive updates from the Regional Partnership Board at future Meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.

 Cabinet response to the Findings of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Working Group in respect of the EMI Nursing Beds Provision.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services & Welsh Language informed Members that the Cabinet is pleased to confirm their agreement to the Scrutiny Working Group recommendations and thanked the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee for undertaking this important piece of work.

Members were provided with a detailed response within the report for each recommendation. Members considered each response and RESOLVED to acknowledge the Cabinet Response.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for the report and for all his hard work.