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
Nick Markwick, Director, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People
Key points raised during the discussion:
· The Strategic Director (SD) began his update by responding to comments made by the BBC in Surrey which suggested there would be a wholesale review of the delivery of adult social care services in Surrey as a result of the closure of the Merok Park care home. The media appear to have misinterpreted a report about ASC reviewing its quality assurance to ensure the right partners are involved. The SD reiterated that it was Surrey County Council (SCC) who had called in the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following concerns about the delivery of care at Merok Park and that ASC staff worked tirelessly to ensure that residents were moved to another home safely.
· A response was also provided to recent news reports which highlighted concerns over the treatment of staff and the quality of care delivery by social care companies working under the auspices of the umbrella company Mihomecare, some of which operate in Surrey. The Committee received assurance from the SD that he is working with the Chief Executive of Mihomecare.com to ensure that the companies which do operate in Surrey deliver the right care residents.
· The Director of Surrey Coalition of Disabled People (DSCDP) gave the Committee the service users’ perspective of the quality of care provided by Mihomecar. Particular emphasis was placed on the long hours worked by care workers and the fact that they aren’t paid for the time spent driving between appointments which had led to a large turnover of staff that has had a direct impact on the continuity of care.
· The Committee requested further information on the private care providers that ASC commissions services from and asked whether contracts with private providers state that all employees are paid the living wage. The SD stated that ASC asks any qualified providers of home care pay the living wage to their staff. In response to concerns by Members about care workers not being paid between appointments, the SD highlighted that this arrangement is the industry standard.
· The SD drew the Committee’s attention to the success of the Get Wise Surrey initiative which has so far helped Surrey residents claim £6.5 million in benefit payments that they were not previously aware they were entitled to and that this has been at limited cost to the Council. This has been particularly beneficial for carers who have had their benefits backdated from before they knew they could claim.
· The Committee asked the SD whether he had any idea of where the £12bn in benefits cuts mooted by the government would fall. The SD highlighted that that budget reductions on ASC have been significant and it has been part of the ASC’s strategy to consider the impact of these cuts on the delivery of social care in Surrey. Members were informed by the SD that he is not sure of where savings arising from an additional £12bn in reductions to benefits will be made at this time.
Recommendations:
Actions/ further information to be provided:
1. Strategic Director to provide statement given to the media on Myhomecare
2. Strategic Director to follow up on Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Director’s comments and report to the Committee at its next meeting
Committee next steps:
None