Councillors and committees

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Ashcombe Suite, County Hall, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2DN

Contact: Ross Pike or Andrew Baird 

Items
No. Item

12/13

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS

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    Minutes:

    Apologies were received from Mr. Graham Ellwood and Mrs Barbara Thomson.

     

    Bill Chapman acted as a substitute for Mrs Barbara Thomson.

     

13/13

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: 15 JANUARY 2015 pdf icon PDF 59 KB

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    To agree the minutes as a true record of the meeting.

    Minutes:

    The minutes were agreed as a true record of the meeting.

     

14/13

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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    To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.

     

    Notes:

    ·    In line with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, declarations may relate to the interest of the member, or the member’s spouse or civil partner, or a person with whom the member is living as husband or wife, or a person with whom the member is living as if they were civil partners and the member is aware they have the interest.

    ·    Members need only disclose interests not currently listed on the Register of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.

    ·    Members must notify the Monitoring Officer of any interests disclosed at the meeting so they may be added to the Register.

    ·    Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest.

    Minutes:

    None received.

15/13

QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

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    To receive any questions or petitions.

     

    Notes:

    1.  The deadline for Member’s questions is 12.00pm four working days before the meeting (6 April 2015).

    2.  The deadline for public questions is seven days before the meeting (1 April 2015).

    3.  The deadline for petitions was 14 days before the meeting, and no petitions have been received.

    Minutes:

    None received.

16/13

RESPONSES FROM THE CABINET TO ISSUES REFERRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

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    There are no responses to report.

    Minutes:

    None received.

17/13

DIRECTOR'S UPDATE

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    The Strategic Director for Adult Social Care will update the Committee on important news and announcements.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of interest:

     

     None

     

    Witnesses:

     

    Dave Sargeant, Strategic Director, Adult Social Care

     

    Mel Few, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

     

     

    Key points raised during the discussion:

     

    ·         The Strategic Director informed the Committee that the Adult Social Care Directorate (ASC) have now completed 100% of appraisals representing an improvement on this time last year

     

    ·         ASC received Surrey’s results from the statutory Survey of Adult Carers in England (SACE) which was completed in late 2014. The SD advised that the feedback from the survey was very positive and indicates that, in comparison with the results of the 2012/13 survey, there has been an improvement in how carers perceive their interactions with ASC. It was agreed that the results from SACE would be circulated to Members.

     

    ·         The Committee were updated on how ASC is managing the introduction of the Care Act which came into force on 1 April 2015. A review of ASC’s preparations for the Care Act by the Internal Audit Team was cited which expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in meeting the requirements of the Act and did not make any recommendations. The SD did, however, stress that the  importance of not being complacent in implementing the Care Act particularly in light of the second phase of legislation which will come into force from 1 April 2016.

     

    ·         It was also advised that the Government has issued draft guidance and recommendations on the Care Act duties being introduced in 2016. ASC has now returned comments to the Government highlighting concerns around implications that the guidance and recommendations could have. The SD indicated that he would circulate ASC’s response to the Committee.

     

    ·         Members were informed that the deadline for the signing of Section 75 agreements with the six Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) has been revised to 30 April 2015 from the original deadline of 1 April 2015. Assurances were requested by the Committee that the agreements would be signed off by the new deadline. The SD advised that a letter of intent has been sent to each of the CCGs and confirmed that he is confident of having the agreements finalised by the 30th.

     

    ·         Attention was drawn to a briefing issued by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) which provides an interesting perspective on the future of adult social care nationally.

     

    ·         The SD confirmed to the Chairman that when an individual is not satisfied with the response given by the ASC, they have the right to pursue a complaint through the Local Government Ombudsmen (LGO) and the Council will co-operate fully with the LGO.

     

    ·         Members inquired about the five strategic priorities which have been set out by ASC for 2015/16 and whether the Committee should align its forward plan to these. The SD agreed that the work of the Committee should be tracked back to these priorities.

    Recommendations:

     

                None

     

    Actions/ further information to be provided:

     

    1.    2014 Carers’ Survey to be circulated to Members of the Committee

     

    2.    Directorate response to Government Guidance on 2016  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17/13

18/13

SOCIAL CARE FOR SURREY PRISONERS: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACT'S PROVISION FOR PRISONERS, APPROVED PREMISES AND BAIL ACCOMMODATION pdf icon PDF 149 KB

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    Purpose of report: Scrutiny of Services

     

    To provide the Scrutiny Committee with an overview of the action taken and proposed by County Council officers to fulfil the requirements of the Care Act in Surrey’s prisons and approved premises.

    Minutes:

    Declarations of interest:

     

    Margaret Hicks council appointed governor of Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

     

    Witnesses:

     

    Stella Charman, Health and Social Care Programme Manager

    KemiOyemade, Head of Healthcare, HMP Bronzefield

    Dave Sargeant, Strategic Director, Adult Social Care

    Cliff Bush, Chairman, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People

     

    Key points raised during the discussion:

     

    ·         The Health and Social Care Programme Manager (HSPM) provided Members with a brief introduction to the report highlighting the new responsibilities established by the Care Act which requires the council to provide social care services to prisoners in the county. The Committee was informed that Surrey has a particularly large prison population with almost 3,000 individuals incarcerated of whom 30% are female. It was advised that a contract has been awarded to Surrey and Borders Partnership (SABP) to manage this service which will be reviewed after a year as it is anticipated that there will be increasing demand with hidden need potentially uncovered as the service becomes embedded.

     

    ·         The Head of Healthcare at HMP Bronzefield (HH) gave a brief breakdown of the different categories of prison that there are in Surrey and how the variation in the prison population provides a different set of challenges when delivering social care.

     

    ·         Members highlighted potential issues around the continued provision of social care services for prisoners once they are released. Of particular concern was the arrangement for prisoners who move to another county once they are released from prison in Surrey. The HSPM confirmed that individuals released from prison are entitled to the same support as other residents and that it is the specialist team’s role to link with the returning local authority if someone leaves Surrey and to share the individual’s care plan. It is then the returning authority’s responsibility to deliver any re-assessment.

     

    ·         Information was requested on the role of the Family, Friends and Community (FFC) support programme and how this fits with the delivery of social care services to prisoners. The HSPM advised that in many cases inmates provide assistance to fellow prisoners who require support. Some prisoners have already been given limited training on providing healthcare support to other inmates and plans are currently being discussed to expand this training.

     

    ·         Members inquired about the provision in place for prisoners suffering from mental health problems. The HSPM confirmed that ASC are working closely with mental health services and other partners to ensure that the appropriate services are in place to support prisoners with mental health problems. Moreover, ASC have also employed someone within the specialist team with a background in mental health service provision to ensure that the appropriate support is in place. The HH emphasised the importance of providing integrated health and social care services in prisons to ensure all areas of need are met and that this was an area that the council could really add value by bringing the social conception of need alongside the existing medical model.

     

    ·         The Chairman of Surrey Coalition of Disabled People (CSCDP) inquired about the model  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18/13

19/13

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION & WORKFORCE STRATEGY UPDATE pdf icon PDF 102 KB

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    Purpose of the Report: Policy Development and Review

     

    This report provides an update on progress in addressing the recruitment and retention challenges faced by the Adult Social Care Directorate (ASC) since the last report to the Committee in September 2014.

     

    At that time Members recommended that: the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet concentrate on urgently finding ways to recruit to the key frontline vacancies that exist across the Adult Social Care Directorate.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of interest:

     

    None

     

    Witnesses:

     

    Sonya Sellar, Area Director – Mid Surrey, Adult Social Care

    Emily Boynton, Strategic HR & OD Relationship Manager

    Chris Whitty, Programme Manager – Service Delivery

    Cliff Bush, Chairman, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People

     

    Key points raised during the discussions:

     

    ·         The Area Director (AD) introduced the report drawing attention to the steps being taken to improve recruitment and retention of staff. Measures such as introducing more clearly defined job titles, for example Senior Social Worker has been signed-off, improving the induction process as well as revising the pay and reward strategy were highlighted to Members. The Committee were also informed that ASC are working closely with HR to recruit directly in universities and colleges while the number of apprenticeships and training opportunities for existing staff also being increased.

     

    ·         Information was requested on whether there are any particular areas of work or geographical regions in which the staffing problems are especially acute. The Strategic HR & OD Relationship Manager (SRM) indicated that recruitment and retention of ASC staff in Mole Valley has proven more challenging than in other Districts and Boroughs. Occupational Therapists and Social Workers were also highlighted as difficult positions to recruit into.

     

    ·         Members drew attention to the reputation that Surrey County Council has as a social care employer and suggested that this may be impacting on the ability of ASC to recruit. The SRM highlighted that ASC has taken steps to develop its brand as an employer but is focusing on ensuring that the experience of staff once they start their job is a good one. The induction programme has proved to be a particularly successful way of improving the experience of new starters.

     

    ·         Concern was expressed with the prevalence of key frontline staff being trained by the council only for them to leave shortly after their apprenticeship has been completed. The witnesses were asked whether it was possible to provide incentives for trainees to make it more attractive for them to remain at the council. The SRM indicated that plans are in place to introduce a stepping stone position for apprentices once they have completed their training as many are not ready to take up a full-time post. The Committee were advised, however, that some apprentices will inevitably leave the council following the completion of their training as they may realise that they want to follow another career path.

     

    ·         The average salary paid to staff in ASC was identified as a key factor in the challenges being faced by the council in recruitment and retention as many can’t afford to live and work in Surrey. Members suggested that it was necessary to identify housing opportunities for key staff as a priority to ensure that those on the average wage for ASC staff are actually able to live in the county. This was particularly important for the provision of social care in the middle of the county due to the distances that need to be travelled by care workers who commute to Surrey from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19/13

20/13

THE FUTURE OF SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE pdf icon PDF 121 KB

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    Purpose of report: Scrutiny of Services and Budgets; Policy Development and Review

     

    Following a review and public consultation this report outlines for the Select Committee the Cabinet’s decision, 10 March 2015,  on the future of the ‘in-house’ six older people’s homes.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of interest:

     

    None

     

    Witnesses:

     

    Dave Sargeant, Strategic Director, Adult Social Care

    Chris Whitty, Programme Manager – Service Delivery, Adult Social Care

    Mel Few, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

     

    Key points raised during the discussions:

     

    ·         The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care reiterated the need to close the six Surrey County Council owned care homes due to the fact that they are no longer fit for purpose. The Committee were informed that work has already started on closing Brockhurst and Longfield and that the process of shutting these two care homes will have been completed by the end of 2015.

     

    ·         The Programme Manager (PM) provided more information on the next steps in the closure of the care homes and the schedule for these closures stating that two homes would be shut each year for the next three years. The council is also talking to other local authorities about their experiences of closing care homes to ensure that all aspects of the closures have been fully considered. The PM provided detail on plans for the redeployment of staff advising that skill sets will be assessed to ensure that the needs of residents are met.

     

    ·         Further information was requested by the Committee on the process of closing the care homes and asked how this is progressing in relation to the Brockhurst and Longfield homes. ASC have looked at the care needs of residents currently in the homes and are considering these in relation to alternative care solutions within a five-mile radius. Discussions are currently taking place with care providers to get an understanding of what services they offer that meet individual residents’ needs. The PM also advised that conversations are ongoing with families, advocates and residents to ensure that they get an arrangement they are comfortable with. The hope is to transfer all residents in Brockhurst and Longfield to another care home in the summer in line with the council’s commitment not to move residents in the winter months.

     

    ·         The SD stressed the importance of retaining staff that work in these homes and gave assurances that efforts will be made to ensure that this is the case. Members were advised that ASC are currently considering options such as providing staff with training opportunities, re-deployment of some staff to re-ablement teams or moving staff to some of the other homes which are closing down to reduce the number of agency workers in these homes. The Committee were further informed that there is a shortage of staff in privately run care homes in Surrey but that efforts would be made to retain existing staff where possible.

     

    ·         Members asked what significance is being given to existing friendship groups in the closing care homes. The PM highlighted that this is paramount in ASC thinking and that efforts will be made to accommodate these friendship groups where possible.

     

    ·         The SD was asked whether ASC is working in conjunction with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to ensure that residents are re-located in homes where  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20/13

21/13

CARE ACT IMPLEMENTATION:REVISED CHARGING POLICY AND DEFERRED PAYMENT POLICY FOR ADULT SOCIAL CARE pdf icon PDF 103 KB

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    Purpose of the report:  Scrutiny of Services and Budgets/ Policy Development and Review

     

    In response to the Care Act 2014 both Surrey County Council’s Charging and Deferred Payment Policies required review. Following consultation, revised policies were put before the Cabinet for approval. This report outlines for the Select Committee the Cabinet’s decision and the Council’s revised policies.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of interest:

     

    None

     

    Witnesses:

     

    Toni Carney, Head of Resources

     

    Key points raised during the discussions:

     

    ·         The Head of Resources (HoR) informed the Committee that the majority of service users will not be significantly impacted by revisions to the charging and deferred payment policies. One potentially significant area, however, is the level of earned income taken by the council for social care services. Members were informed that new assessments for those affected by the changes in charging policy are being conducted while a dedicated telephone service has been set up to allow people affected by the revised charging policy to access information.

     

    ·         It was agreed that the HoR would send a brief memo to the CSCDP about the taxability of income through benefits and whether this will increase as a result of the changes.

    Recommendations:

     

    1.    The Adult Social Care Select Committee notes the report and the revised Charging and Deferred Payment Policies.

    Actions/ further information to be provided:

     

                None

     

    Committee next steps:

     

                None

     

    Bill Chapman left the meeting at 12:30

     

22/13

ADULT SOCIAL CARE DIRECTORATE BUDGET MONITORING REPORT pdf icon PDF 373 KB

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    Purpose of the report:  Scrutiny of Budgets/Performance Management

     

    This report provides an opportunity for the Committee to scrutinise the Adult Social Care budget.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of interest:

     

    None

     

    Witnesses:

     

    Dave Sargeant, Strategic Director, Adult Social Care

    Will House, Finance Manager

     

    Key points raised during the discussions:

     

    ·         The Finance Manager (FM) advised that there has been a significant reduction in the overspend projected by ASC for 2014/15. The service has made good progress on delivering savings while the level of demand has decreased from previous month although it remains higher than was projected last year.

     

    ·         Members drew attention to the £6 million savings achieved from the FFC programme and asked what further action can be taken to introduce additional savings in line with the £10 million target originally anticipated for 2014/15. It was highlighted that reassessments are only a small part of FFC and that a number of other avenues will be going live over the next few months which will help to deliver further efficiencies. The FM highlighted that the service has increased the number of reassessments over the last month and there are many more scheduled for next year. Modelling suggests that over the next three years reassessments will generate saving in the region of £18 million although a lower proportion of savings on packages is expected in the next few years as the many of the most expensive packages have already been reassessed. There is a £7m saving forecasted for new packages in the same period.

     

    ·         The SD stressed the need to change the perception that FFC is all about savings through reassessments and that more attention should be given to the importance of social capital for residents.

     

    ·         Members drew attention to FFC Member Champions network as well as highlighting the knowledge that individual Councillors have about their local area. It was requested that officers communicate with Members on FFC initiatives as they can provide invaluable insights into communities and provide information about resources that are available locally to support FFC.

    Recommendations:

     

    1.    The Committee recommends that Surrey Information Point be demonstrated to local committees and tailored towards the needs of the local area.

     

    2.    The Committee congratulates the Directorate on achieving 97% of its ambitious savings target for 2014/15.

     

    Actions/ further information to be provided:

     

    None

     

    Committee next steps:

     

    None

     

23/13

RECOMMENDATION TRACKER AND FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME pdf icon PDF 216 KB

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    The Committee is asked to monitor progress on the implementation of recommendations from previous meetings, and to review its Forward Work Programme.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    Declarations of interest:

     

    None

     

    Witnesses:

     

    None

     

    Key points raised during the discussion:

     

    None

     

    Recommendations:

     

    None

     

    Actions/ further information to be provided:

     

    None

     

    Committee next steps:

     

                None

     

24/13

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

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    The next meeting of the Committee will be held at 10.00 am on 14 May 2015.

    Minutes:

    The Committee noted its next meeting will take place on 14 May 2015.

     

    The meeting ended at 12.50 pm.