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 declarationsmade pertaining to the agenda.

To approve as an accurate record the minutes of the hybrid meeting of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee held on the 20^th March 2023.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 20^th March 2023 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

Information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee.

Members acknowledged the information provided through the consultation links in respect of open consultations, Welsh Government consultations and those matters being consulted upon by the local authority.

Pre-Scrutiny – For Committee members to scrutinise and make any recommendations to the report before presenting to Cabinet.

The Democratic Services and Engagement officer presented the Cabinet report relating to the Learning Disability Day Services Offer and advised Members that the purpose of this item was for Members comments and feedback to be fed back to Cabinet in their meeting on the 15^th May 2023.

Following this, the Head of Service, Learning Disabilities Mental Health and Substance Misuse presented their report to Members providing further detail and context around the details of the draft strategy and future consultation proposed in section 5 of the report.

One Member expressed concern that Children transitioning into adult services sometimes can slip through and have limited contact and looked to have reassurance of how the proposed strategy will ensure inclusion for all. The Head of Service, Learning Disabilities Mental Health and Substance Misuse directed Members to the Additional Learning Needs Bill and informed the intentions of this will capture all of the strategies as part of it. The Officer noted Members concerns regarding this and assured Members reference will be added to the Cabinet report to ensure it is covered as part of the proposals.

Members discussed the impact of Community Hubs and the opportunities they can provide for activities, employment and volunteering. The Head of Service, Learning Disabilities Mental Health and Substance Misuse highlighted that following the discussion at the previous meeting surrounding this this aspect now forms part of the proposed strategy in recognition of the additional benefit they can provide. Members were pleased to see this addition and felt it is important to utilise the links available in the community.

Members acknowledged the extensive consultation carried out to date and the need to move away from the current model taking into account the powerful feedback provided from service users, staff, parents and carers to provide more meaningful activities and opportunities.

One Member questioned how the service area plans to measure the success of the proposed strategy and ensure that progress is monitored. The Head of Service, Learning Disabilities Mental Health and Substance Misuse acknowledged the challenge in changing mindsets but highlighted the success of the engagement events held and the inclusion of individuals in the development of the proposals to date having a say in their own services. Members were informed that at the heart of the draft strategy and future offer is co-production with people leading and developing their own services. The Officer continued explaining that the proposed model ensures inclusion of all, including all service users, parents and carers and the key priorities will aim to combat all areas of discrimination and unconscious bias. Members were informed that in measuring the success, ongoing engagement will be key and monitoring the progress of individuals through either direct communication or through engagement with parents, carers and staff will be key.  The Officer also informed Members that Committee will be kept up to date with progress and the results of any future engagement will be fed back to Members.

Another Member asked about the employment opportunities outlined as part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked Officers for attending and presenting the information for Committee and acknowledged the scale of work that had been carried out to date and welcomed further involvement should Cabinet agree to the recommendations when it is presented in May 2023.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

None.