Agenda item

To submit a report by the Director of Social Services.

The report of the Director of Social Services was submitted for consideration by the Committee.

The Portfolio Member for Adults’ Services and Community Safety said that the Social Services Department continues to face significant challenges, with the demand increasing and resources decreasing.  The Council Plan confirms the commitment to social care and wellbeing, and it is timely to recognise as to how to modernise the service to fulfil the Council’s duties effectively and efficiently.  The aim of the Strategic Plan is to confirm the pathway towards developing elements of the service and to ensure they are appropriate and affordable for the future, whilst continuing to become an Age Friendly Island.  As the pressure and demand continues to increase, and the Island’s population getting older along with persons with learning and physical disabilities, consideration must be given as to how Authority can modernise the services provided.  Whilst the Adult’s Modernisation Strategy is challenging there will be a need to work with key partners, the Health Board, the third sector and other organisations to realise the vision within the Strategy for the benefit of the residents of the Island. 

In considering the report, the Committee discussed the following main matters:-

·     Questions were raised as to what extent can the Service achieve all the objectives within the Strategy and what are the risks and the financial obstacles to the Service.  The Director of Social Services responded that it must be recognized that it is not the older generation that require the services afforded but young people also require the services of the Social Services Department which is a significant part of the demand for the services and addressing the need will be challenging.  He further said that options will need to be considered whether the service provided can be delivered at a lower cost to the Council as the funding is not increasing even though the demand for the service is increasing. Working in partnership with the third sector and other organisations will be paramount to the success of the Adults’ Service Modernisation Plan.

·     Questions were raised that due to increase in demand for the services provided by the Social Services Department, what assurances can the Service provide to ensure that sufficient capital funding is available to meet the demand and how will the Service attract grants and external financial support.  The Director of Social Services responded that whilst it is accepted that Adults’ Services is overspending the demand for the services must be addressed.  He noted that the service will need to adapt to ensure a better service by working in partnership with the third sector and other organisations. 

·     Reference was made that it is a challenge in attaining accommodation for a couples when they are faced with having to have care within a residential home.  The Director of Social Services accepted that there is a challenge in accommodation for couples within a residential home sector due to costs associated with the demand for such a double room within the residential home.  The Chief Executive said that whilst the collaboration between the Housing Service and the Social Services Departments is good, further work needs to be undertaken to strengthen affordable and social housing to address the needs of the ageing population.  He noted that both Governments needs to address the Health and Social Care system.   Further questions were raised as to when local authority will be funded fairly to address the ageing population of the Island.  The Chief Executive said that the methodology within Welsh Government settlement identifies the ageing population rather than a growing population on Anglesey.  He noted that the issue was raised with the Older People Commissioner when she visited Anglesey recently and the formula for funding by Welsh Government needs to be adapted to address this issue.  

·     Questions were raised as to whether the private care sector has adequate staffing.  The Director of Social Services responded that there are similar staffing challenges within the private and public sector.  He noted that there has been a shift with more people wishing to work within the care as they see the Care Service as a career prospect.  The Council is working closely with Coleg Menai where there is a Special Care course available for students; work experience is afforded within the Authority’s Care Homes for these students. 

·     Reference was made that the Strategic Plan mentions raising awareness of age-friendly initiatives through partnerships with social enterprises and local businesses.   Questions were raised as to what arrangements are in place to enable this partnership working to succeed for the benefit of the Island’s communities.  The Director of Social Services responded that the age-friendly initiative is grant funded.  Work has been undertaken with cafés and taxi/bus drivers to promote the age-friendly initiative.  He further said that work is undertaken with the Dementia facilities provided on the Island in partnership with the third sector.

·     Reference was made that the Strategic Plan discusses the need to find suitable facilities for the purpose of relocating the respite service for individuals with learning disabilities.  Questions were raised as to what key challenges the Council faces when trying to realise this objective and what strategy will the Service use to address and overcome these challenges as people with learning disabilities are having to be accommodated in other County’s to receive respite care. The Director of Social Services responded that he acknowledged that there is a lack of facilities on the Island to offer respite care and supported living for people with learning disabilities.  He noted that capital funding is sought to enable the Authority to buy private properties to enable facilities for people with learning disabilities.  He further said that there is an initiative to buy properties for respite care on the Island.

It was RESOLVED to recommend to the Executive that the ‘Adult Service Strategic Modernisation Plan 2024-2029’ be adopted.