Archived decisions

Contact: Kevin Peers, ext no 7182, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

(a) That Cabinet formally agree to appoint the existing Executive Member for Adult Services as the lead member for Adult Social Services given that the remit of the existing Executive Member for Adult Services encompasses the role and responsibilities of the proposed lead member for Adult Social Services, as outlined in the Department of Health guidance. Furthermore, it was agreed that the existing remit of the Director of Adult Services fulfils the role and responsibilities of the proposed Director of Adult Social Services, as outlined in the Department for Health Guidance.

(b) That Cabinet agree that the lead member for Adult Services works closely with lead members for Children's Services, the Executive members for Environment and for Recreation and Heritage and the Chair of the PCT in order to enable her to carry out the responsibility for coordinating the promotion of wellbeing, prevention of social exclusion and protection of vulnerable adults.

(c) That a seminar be arranged for all Members of the County Council on all social services matters regarding the implications of the well-being agenda for every citizen of Hampshire.

(d) That a letter be sent to Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Health and Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State of Communities and Local Government outlining the Cabinet's concerns in respect of the lack of democratic accountability and unreasonable levels of statutory duty in some areas being placed on the local authority.

2. Reason

2.1 To ensure the necessary arrangements outlined in the Department of Health's Guidance (May 2006) for establishing the role of Director of Adult Social Services (DASS) are in place within the authority.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 As the report is based on Department of Health guidance that instructs local authorities on the arrangements that need to be in place, no other options have been considered at this stage. It is the Department of Health's intention to introduce additional legislation in relation to the DASS in the near future and further options may well be considered at that time.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE