Agenda item

Councillor Brian Ford, the Cabinet Member for Adults, presented a report that provided an update on performance and key issues relating to Adult Social Care commissioning.  He drew attention to the financial pressures on the department and thanked officers for their hard work that had resulted in an under-spend of £612k in 2017/18 by Social Services.  The Director of Health explained that the report had been structured to highlight the strengths and challenges of the work undertaken.

The following key issues were drawn to members’ attention:

·         The ongoing work to reduce spend on Learning Disability services as spend per service user in Swindon remained high compared to other authorities.

·         The identification of improvements to safeguarding services around adult services to better understand Domestic Abuse the impact of coercive and controlling behaviour (especially on older people); application of Mental Capacity when there are safeguarding concerns; quality assurance processes; and personalisation in safeguarding.

·         The action plan set up for a care home to address concerns by the Care Quality Commission. 

·         The range of initiatives underway in Swindon to tackle obesity and promote physical activity include Football Fans in Training, Health Walks, Park runs, and weight management programmes.

·         The improvement in the Delayed Transfer of Care performance.

·         The work with external partners and services across the council to identify opportunities to improve resilience and prevent long term conditions by promoting health and wellbeing amongst Swindon residents.

·         The reduction in the number of older people being admitted into permanent care. This was due to timelier assessments, the effectiveness of the reablement service and the improved management oversight at first point of contact. 

·         The “Illegal Tobacco Community” Engagement events held to inform the public of the harms of illegal tobacco.

·         The support provided by various areas of the community including carers and the Voluntary Sector.

            Following the introduction of the report, the Cabinet Member for Adults, with the Director of Health, responded to members’ questions and comments on the following issues:

·       The promotion of healthy living within the community, with a particular focus on diabetes and obesity.

·       Partnership working between health providers to help those wanting a lifestyle change, particularly to prevent obesity and diabetes.

·       The work undertaken by officers, resulting in the Social Services under-spend.  

·       The facilities provided for people with learning disabilities in Swindon.

·       The procedure for assessing care homes and the agencies involved in this process. 

·       The Council’s recruitment of community volunteers and how the Council engages with them. 

      Resolved – (1) That the report be noted.

      (2) That the Corporate Director Adult Social Services and Health be requested to include information on the areas savings had been made on within her report to the next meeting of the Committee. 

          (3) That the Corporate Director Adult Social Services and Health be requested to circulate the Adult’s Annual Complaints & Compliments Report before the next meeting of this Committee.

          (4) That the Director of Health arrange the attendance  of a representative from the voluntary sector at the next meeting of the Committee in order for them to discuss their joint working with the Council.