Contact: Review Team Leader: Yvonne Le Brun, ext 7790

Project Manager: Alison Heywood, ext. 7235

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

1.2 That the outcomes of the Best Value Review of Carers' Services and Respite Care which has been led by the Social Care Policy Review Committee, are implemented as advised in the attached report and Improvement Plan. It should be noted that, in the light of the time taken to complete this review, changing circumstances will be taken into account when implementing these outcomes.

1.3 That the following items which have budgetary implications are considered within the budget planning cycle:

None

2 Reason

2.1 The Best Value review is contained in the current five year review programme. Implementation of the recommended improvements will contribute to the successful fulfilment of that programme.

2.2 Future progress with the improvement plan will be monitored annually by the Social Care Policy Review Committee and reported to the public and auditors through the Best Value Performance Plan. The Best Value Performance Plan forms part of the council's policy framework and is also published annually.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Full details of the options considered by the Social Care Policy Review Committee are contained in the options / outcomes report at its meetings on 26 November 2002, 22 February 2002, 21 May 2002, 29 November 2002.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1 Councillor AR Ludlow declared a non-pecuniary interest on this item

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable

Approved by: Councillor Felicity Hindson ...................................................

7 Date of decision ...................................................