Archived decisions

                      ITEM 2

    AT A MEETING of the SOCIAL CARE POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE of the COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on Friday, 29 November 2002

PRESENT

    Councillors: M.L. Sheehan (Chairman); Mrs. P.G. Banks; K.G. Chapman;

G.W. Davies-Dear; Mrs. P. Dickens; A.G. Dowden; Mrs. J.K. Frankum; E.F. Gale, MBE;

Mrs. K. Heron; Mrs. C.A. Leversha; Mrs. A.M. McNair Scott; Mrs. P.G. Peskett;

Mrs. E.M.F. Randall; Mrs. V. Steel; J.W. Stocks; Mrs. P.A. West; W.H. Wheeler;

Miss J.D. Wride.

    Also in attendance Councillor Felicity Hindson MBE - Executive Member for Social Care.

47 THE LATE COUNCILLOR RITA COLLINS

The Committee noted with deep regret the recent death of Councillor Rita Collins, County Councillor for the Basingstoke North West Electoral Division, and stood in silence as a mark of respect to her memory.

48 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

49 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 27 September 2002 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon:

Support for People who Misuse Substances (Minute 41)

It was reported that the "seminar" by the Drug Action Team and the Social Services Department would take place at 2.15 p.m. on 13 February 2003 in the Modern Record's Office. All Members were to be invited.

50 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman invited the Director of Social Services to report on the Social Services Performance Assessment Inspection. Members noted some of the main outcomes and that a more detailed assessment would be given in a report to the next meeting.

51 MEMBERS' QUESTIONS

There were no Members' questions to this meeting.

52 DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

53 COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE - UPDATE FOR THE PERIOD APRIL TO SEPTEMBER 2002

The Director of Social Services presented the first six monthly update report of the Complaints service for the period April to September 2002 (Item 6 in the Minute Book).

During a full discussion the Committee were concerned at the upward trend in complaints made to Headquarters and sought to understand the reasons for this. As a way forward Members suggested that arrangements be made for a Seminar to increase their understanding of complaints. Also, they wished MP's to be contacted by Social Services staff to try and understand more about their complaints. The Committee felt that it would be helpful if future reports were to include information on the number of overall cases dealt with, a geographical breakdown of complaints received and actions taken as a response. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

      (i) That the six-monthly update report on complaints be noted.

      (ii) That the Director of Social Services implement those suggestions made by Members at this meeting.

54 BEST VALUE REVIEW OF CARERS' SERVICES AND RESPITE CARE - FINAL OUTCOME REPORT

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive and Director of Social Services (Item 7 in the Minute Book) on the Best Value Review Outcome and Carers Service and Respite Care.

In discussion Members asked the Director of Social Services to further investigate the cost effectiveness of creating a new electronic data base for carers as well as other ways of communicating essential contact and other information. He was also asked to investigate organising an information event for this Committee on the Carers Service and Respite Care. Accordingly, it was

RESOLVED:

      (i) That the outcome report and improvement plan of the Best Value review of Carers and Respite Care be agreed, highlighting the following proposals for improvement:

        · To develop a cohesive and consistent network of carers support services across the county

        · Improved access for carers and professionals to information about help and services available to carers; this to include a further investigation of the most cost effective and user friendly ways of communicating such information

        · Improved communication with carers from hard-to-teach groups and wider recognition of their needs

        · Improved access to assessment for carers to ensure recognition of their needs

        · Increased cost effectiveness and consistency of local carers' support services

        · An increased range of flexible services to enable carers to take a break when they need it

        · Improved efficiency of in-house resources providing respite care

        · More responsive services to support carers of people with mental health problems

      (ii) That a summary of the review be prepared in the standard format for inclusion in the Best Value Performance Plan.

      (iii) That the Executive Member be advised of the outcome of the Best Value review so the improvement plan can be implemented.

      (iv) That arrangements be made for this PRC to receive annual progress reports until the improvement plan is completed.

55 COMMITTEE'S TIMETABLE OF FUTURE DECISIONS

The Director of Social Services presented a report giving an update on the Committee's timetable (Item 8 in the Minute Book).

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the addition of an item about the work of the Drug Action Team to the March 2003 meeting, the report be noted.

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