The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission of Leicestershire Council convened on Thursday, 27 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the Charging Policy, the Reablement Service, the growing needs of autism, the draft external workforce strategy, and updates on the Carer Support Service and Hastings Road Day Centre. The Commission made several decisions and recommendations, particularly concerning the Charging Policy and the Reablement Service.

Charging Policy

The Commission discussed the proposal to include the enhanced part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the calculations when assessing charges for adult social care. Mo Peberdy, representing the Making it Real group, raised concerns about the consultation process and the potential financial burden on vulnerable individuals. The Deputy City Mayor for Social Care, Health and Community Safety acknowledged these concerns and highlighted the financial pressures on the Local Authority’s budget, necessitating a review of the charging policy.

The Director for Adult Social Care and Safeguarding clarified that if the higher or enhanced rate of disability benefits were treated as income, individual financial assessments would be conducted to ensure fairness. The Commission noted the proposal but raised concerns about its impact and recommended further engagement with affected individuals and groups.

Reablement Service Overview

The Director for Adult Social Care & Safeguarding presented an overview of the Reablement Service, which supports individuals transitioning from hospital to home or preventing hospital admissions. The service is free for up to six weeks and has seen changes in growth and delivery. The Commission praised the service's effectiveness but noted the increase in hospital readmissions and the need for ongoing review.

Growing Needs of Autism

The Commission addressed the growing needs of individuals with autism and neurodiverse conditions. The Director for Adult Social Care & Commissioning highlighted the need for better data collection and a strength-based approach to support. The Deputy City Mayor noted the challenges in diagnosing autism and ADHD due to funding constraints. The Commission recommended adding the Autism Placed Based Delivery Plan to the work programme for further discussion.

Draft External Workforce Strategy

The draft external workforce strategy was discussed, focusing on improving workforce conditions in adult social care. The Director for Adult Social Care & Commissioning noted the high level of zero-hour contracts and the need for better pay and training opportunities. The Deputy City Mayor highlighted the financial constraints impacting wage increases. The Commission recommended ongoing consultation on the strategy.

Carer Support Service Update

The Director for Adult Social Care & Commissioning provided an update on the Carer Support Service, emphasizing its importance in managing care provision and costs. The Commission thanked the officers for their work and noted the report.

Hastings Road Day Centre Update

The Head of Commissioning updated the Commission on the transition of individuals from the Hastings Road Day Centre to alternative services. The Commission acknowledged the sensitive handling of the closure and requested a final update once all transitions are complete.

The meeting concluded with a review of the work programme and a reflection on the Commission’s achievements over the past year. The Chair thanked the Members and officers for their contributions. The full minutes of the meeting can be accessed here.