Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Head of Adult’ Services.

It was resolved to adopt the Adult Services Strategic Modernisation Plan 2024-2029.

The report of the Head of Adult Services incorporating the Adult Services Strategic Modernisation Plan 2024-2029 was presented for the Executive’s consideration. The Plan set out the Adult Service’s priorities for the period 2024-2029 to realise the objectives of the Council Plan 2023-2028.

The Adult Services Strategic Modernisation Plan 2024-2029 was presented by Councillor Alun Roberts, Portfolio Member for Adult Services and Community Safety as setting out a firm and clear direction for adults services including services for older people, learning disabilities and mental health services. The plan outlines concrete steps to meet the challenges posed by rising demand and expectations, staff availability, limited financial resources and an ageing population and to modernise elements of the service so that they are appropriate, affordable and fit for the future. Councillor Alun Roberts emphasised the importance of working with partners in health and the third sector to provide the kind of support that makes a difference in people’s lives. Given the challenges, the strategic plan is of necessity ambitious and transformative for adult services and seeks to ensure that services for vulnerable people are delivered effectively, efficiently and that they are of high quality and sustainable.

The Head of Adult Services confirmed that standing still is not an option and that adult services have to continue to evolve to meet ongoing challenges. While the cost of providing care is high there are risks in not providing the appropriate care and the strategy aims to maximise existing provision and also to move the service forward based on enabling people to live independently for as long as possible, local delivery of services, an emphasis on prevention and providing the right support at the right time. He referred to the context and to a projected 70% increase in the 85+ population, a significant increase in the number of dementia sufferers and the high percentage of the Council’s care staff who are in the last ten years of service as some of the challenges facing social care. While the strategic plan identifies seven key priority areas, given the financial constraints it is recognised that they may not all be achieved as the Council would wish and there may have to be prioritisation of some elements of the plan over others.

Councillor Dylan Rees, speaking as Chair of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee reported from the committee’s 20 November 2024 meeting at which the Adult Services Strategic Modernisation Plan was discussed. Scrutiny had acknowledged the need to modernise and transform adult services to better serve Anglesey’s citizens now and in future in accordance with the objectives of the Council Plan and had also noted the demographic, financial and resource challenges which could affect the service’s ability to implement the strategic plan. The committee had sought assurance that the service will be able to achieve its objectives and the intended outcomes set out in the plan. The importance of implementing effective communication and engagement strategies across all of Anglesey’s communities had been emphasised so as to ensure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12