Archived decisions

AT A MEETING of the TEST VALLEY AREA COMMITTEE of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at Romsey School on Tuesday 22 February 2005.

PRESENT:

Councillors: M.J. Woodhall (Chairman); D.A. Kirk; Mrs P.A. West.

Also in attendance Councillor Mrs S.M. Glasspool

10. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of debate declare their interest, and having regards to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.

11. MINUTES

    The Minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2004 were confirmed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman.

12. SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE

    The committee received a presentation from Claire Foreman, Strategic County Manager for Older People, and Robert Blunden, Service Manager for the Elderly, on those services which the County Council provide for older people.

    It was explained that the quality of life for older people was a Cabinet priority and as such was the subject of several cross departmental working groups. These were tasked with improving those services provided not just by Social Services, but also by Museums, Trading Standards, the Countryside section and a number of others departments. Following considerable consultation it had been agreed that one of the key tasks faced by the County Council was to assist older people to live independent lives for as long as possible. As well as continuing to improve services this would also involve raising awareness of those services available and how they could be accessed. This was considered to be an increasingly difficult task as the over 65 year old demographic group was rapidly growing both in terms of proportionality and pure numbers.

    The Committee were advised of the type of work undertaken by Social Services in relation to older people which could be split into four categories, namely; Domiciliary Care, Residential Care, Nursing Home Care and Day Care. Where possible it was felt that caring for people in their own homes was the preferred option, whether this be provided by Social Services, the independent sector or carers. The benefits of the use of carers was highlighted and it was hoped that direct cash payments, allowing the elderly to purchase their own care, would further encourage this form of independent living.

    In the ensuing discussion accessibility to health services was highlighted as a particular cause for concern. This point was noted and the Committee were informed that Hampshire County Council were providing Test Valley Community Services with a number of new vehicles in order to remedy this particular situation.

13. PARISH COUNCIL QUESTIONNAIRE - ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

    The results of a recent survey sent to all Parish Councils in Test Valley regarding activities for young people were presented to the Committee (summarised in appendix one to these Minutes). It suggested that the key issues facing young people were a lack of dedicated facilities and transport. While the majority of Parishes were making some provisions for young people they reported significant problems in doing so, such as a lack of finance and volunteers to provide activities and excessive regulations to be complied with. Those Parish Councils who had responded would be sent information regarding support which was available from the County Council and other organisations.

14. LIFELONG LEARNING

    Councillor Mrs West declared an interest as Chairman of the Andover Community Learning Partnership.

    Beverley Jones, Jean Lannie and Jon Lefley from the Family Learning Team gave a presentation on the Family Learning Project. The Committee heard a brief history of the project which was designed to bring all relevant organisations together to provide improved adult and family learning. The benefits of the `Adult and Community Plan for Andover and District' were noted with particular reference being made to the Plan targeting those groups most at need, such as those who had previously been unable to access learning. This work was placed in the context of the poor status of many wards in several deprivation indices, a situation which it was hoped would be improved by further Adult Learning courses and schemes. Amongst the methods of delivering this learning was an annual family learning event which had proved to be very successful in increasing participation and would this year be held at Calshot.

    Following several questions it was reported that by raising the aspirations of parents it was anticipated that a culture of learning could be created in an enjoyable atmosphere, which would in turn improve education for the whole family and community and reduce the knock on effects of poor education.