Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1 Contextual information

1.1. At a meeting of the full County Council held on 17 September 2009, Cllr Alan Dowden put forward a Notice of Motion regarding recent Department of Health guidance on support to children and adults who are deafblind. An amendment was proposed by Cllr Felicity Hindson, Executive Member for Adult Social Care. It was decided at full Council to refer consideration of this motion to the Policy & Resources Select Committee.

1.2. The Policy & Resources Select Committee met on 15 October 2009 and considered the motion (see appendix). Members received information from the Children's Services and Adults Services departments regarding the support they provide to deafblind children and adults, under the points raised in the motion/the Department of Health guidance. Relevant officers from both departments were in attendance to answer follow up questions.

1. Consideration of Motion

1.1. Members discussed the support provided to children and adults who are deafblind and concluded that the support provided by Hampshire County Council is good, and meets the requirements of the Department of Health guidance. Following discussion of the issues, Members identified a number of areas where there may be scope for further local action in the way that the County Council identifies and supports the needs of people who are deafblind.

3. Recommendations

1.2. Regarding the Motion the Policy & Resources Select Committee therefore recommends:

1.3. That County Council support the motion with the following amendment:

Delete the final sentence and insert "This council is pleased that the Children's Services and Adults Services departments are already working to these guidelines.

1.4. Furthermore, in order to go above and beyond the guidance, this Council supports the following action:

1.5. 1) staff providing services to people who are deafblind have suitable training and development opportunities, including access to specialist advice and support (e.g. such as that provided by groups such as SENSE) where this is required

1.6. 2) that Hampshire County Council use its influence with planning authorities/developers/housing associations to request the needs of disabled people are built in to new developments where appropriate, and Members be encouraged to support the needs of people who are deafblind in their division

1.7. 3) feedback from people who are deafblind is actively sought across the range of services provided by the County Council

1.8. 4) that Hampshire County Council's departments consider how they take account of the needs of people who are deafblind in the planning and provision of services"

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

Links to the Corporate Strategy

Other Significant Links

IMPACT ASSESSMENTS:

1. Equalities Impact Assessment:

1.1. N/A

2. Impact on Crime and Disorder:

2.1. N/A

3. Climate Change:

a) How does what is being proposed impact on our carbon footprint / energy consumption?

N/A

b) How does what is being proposed consider the need to adapt to climate change, and be resilient to its longer term impacts?

N/A