The Scrutiny Performance Panel – Adult Services meeting on 20 March 2024 reviewed the West Glamorgan Transformation Programme, discussed performance monitoring for Adult Services, and received a briefing on the annual review of social services charges. The panel was informed that Cabinet had agreed to apply a 6% inflationary increase to social services charges and to consult on new charges for the Lifeline service.

West Glamorgan Transformation Programme

Kelly Gillings, Regional Director of Transformation for the West Glamorgan Partnership, provided an update on the programme's work over the past year. The panel heard about the governance arrangements, the Area Plan, and engagement strategies. Councillor Jeff Jones, a member of the panel, inquired about how national outcomes for regional partnerships were agreed upon. Ms. Gillings explained that it had been a challenging process due to the differing programmes in each region, but agreed templates for reporting and mechanisms for aggregation had been established. Councillor Jones also asked if financial aspects were being considered in the programme's measurements, to which Ms. Gillings confirmed that the partnership reports on this quarterly to the Welsh Government. A question was raised about the involvement of veterans in the programme's activities, and Ms. Gillings acknowledged that capturing the characteristics of the population in engagement efforts needed further development over the next year.

Performance Monitoring

Amy Hawkins, Head of Adult Services and Tackling Poverty, presented the performance report for January 2024, noting that trends in the February data remained unchanged. The panel acknowledged the increase in respite opportunities, which was seen as a positive development for carers. They also discussed the Common Access Point (CAP), which Councillor Jeff Jones described as a great success, and queried the high number of calls received in January. Ms. Hawkins attributed this to increased genuine demand and a hoped-for rise in public awareness. The panel also discussed the ongoing cost pressures reported by external domiciliary care providers. While acknowledging these challenges, Ms. Hawkins stated that the sector was more stable. A discussion also took place regarding Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), with concerns raised about the assessment process and the potential impact on individuals. Ms. Hawkins explained the risks involved, including the possibility of individuals being deprived of their liberty and the importance of ensuring appropriate processes were in place for approval.

Briefing on Annual Review of Charges (Social Services) 2023-24

Councillor Louise Gibbard, Cabinet Member for Care Services, and David Howes, Director of Social Services, briefed the panel on the annual review of social services charges. They reported that Cabinet had agreed to apply an inflationary increase of 6% to all social services charges, effective from 1 April 2024. Additionally, Cabinet had approved Adult Services to proceed with consultation on introducing a one-off charge for the installation of the Lifeline service and a cost for replacement pendants. The panel was informed that the report had already been to Cabinet for agreement.