Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the SOCIAL CARE POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE of the COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on Friday, 22 March 2002.
PRESENT
Councillors: Mrs. M.D. Snaith (Vice-Chairman) (In the Chair); Mrs. P.G. Banks;
G.W. Davies-Dear; A.G. Dowden; Mrs. J.K. Frankum; E.F. Gale, MBE;
Mrs. D.R. Harrison; S.A. Hayes; P.A. Heath; Mrs. P.G. Holden-Brown;
Mrs. C.A. Leversha; A.R. Ludlow; Mrs. P.G. Peskett; Mrs. E.M.F. Randall;
Mrs. P.A. West; Miss J.D. Wride.
16 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 22 February, 2002 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
17 COMPLAINTS SERVICE ANNUAL REPORT 2000/01
The Director of Social Services presented a report on the findings of the Annual Report of the Complaints Service for the year 2000/01 (Item 2 in the Minute Book). The Committee noted the increase in the number of informal complaints by 185 over the previous year and a reduction in the proportion that went on to become formal complaints. This was due in part to the effective complaints handling work carried out by Social Services staff.
The Committee expressed concern at the increase and felt that this could be due to a lack of understanding about the service. It requested a report reviewing the complaints procedure with details on the types of complaint received, together with details of compliments received by staff. The Committee also requested a quarterly outcome report and comparative figures from other Authorities to be submitted to a future meeting.
RESOLVED:
That:-
(i) the findings of the Annual Report of the Complaints Procedure be endorsed.
(ii) the Annual Report for 2001/02 be presented to this Committee in September 2002.
18 BEST VALUE REVIEW OF CARERS AND RESPITE CARE
The Director of Social Services presented a report on progress with the Best Value Review of Carers' Services and Respite Care 2001/02.
Councillor A.R. Ludlow declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item.
The Committee noted that further consultation with the key representatives amongst the stakeholders and nominated Members would be carried out and a provisional date of 12 April 2002 for the seminar was noted. It was agreed that Councillor Dowden would attend as an observer.
RESOLVED:
That the progress report be noted.
19 BEST VALUE PROGRAMME - YEAR 3
The Chief Executive presented a report on the Best Value Programme for
Year 3.
The Committee noted that Member's involvement at the early stage of the reviews was considered beneficial.
The Committee agreed that a Panel of 4 Members (2 Conservatives, 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 Labour) be appointed to each of the Year 3 Best Value Reviews.
RESOLVED:
That:
(i) Councillors Mrs. P.G. Banks, Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown, M.L. Sheehan and Mrs. V. Steel continue to be involved in the Residential Care, Special Needs Housing and Adult Placement Review until its completion be agreed.
(ii) Members be involved in the Year 3 Best Value Reviews as follows:
Support for Older Persons at Home -
Councillors A.G. Dowden, E.F. Gale, MBE, Mrs. V. Steel, Miss J.D. Wride.
Supporting People who Misuse Substances and those who have
AIDS/HIV -
Councillors Mrs. P.G. Banks, Mrs. P. Dickens, Mrs. C.A. Leversha, Mrs. V. Steel.
Support for Children in the Community -
Councillors S.A. Hayes, Mrs. P.G. Holden-Brown, Mrs. M.D. Snaith, Mrs. V. Steel.
Meeting the Social Care Needs of People with Sensory Impairment -
Councillors G.W. Davies-Dear, Mrs. J.K. Frankum, P.A. Heath, Mrs E.M.F. Randall.
Support for Disabled People at Home -
Councillors P.A. Heath, A.R. Ludlow, Mrs. E.M.F. Randall, Mrs. V. Steel
20 FAIRER CHARGING POLICIES FOR HOME CARE AND OTHER NON-RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
The County Treasurer and Director of Social Services presented a report advising Members on the new mandatory guidance for charging policies for home care and non-residential services.
The Committee noted that the Director of Social Services would look at other charging options and bring proposals back to the Committee.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Social Care be advised that:
(i) approval be given to consult with users about how best to implement the changes required to the County Council's charging policy for non-residential services, with a view to reporting back to the Social Care Policy Review Committee on 31 May and the Executive Member in June 2002 on the outcomes of those consultations once completed.
(ii) approval be given to fully investigate the charging options identified in the report and report back on potential solutions to the Executive Member at the meeting in June 2002.
(iii) approval be given to the introduction of the charging policy for intermediate care as set out in Appendix B to the report.
The Labour Group abstained from voting and wished this to be placed on record.
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