The People Committee met on Tuesday 16 July 2024 to discuss key strategic priorities for the council, review progress on safeguarding initiatives, and consider proposed changes to adult social care charging policies. The committee also approved the recommissioning of specialist domestic abuse services.

Delivering Ambitious for Sutton: People Committee

Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee, opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and introducing the first agenda item, Delivering Ambitious for Sutton: People Committee. Nick Ireland, Strategic Director of People Services, presented the report, which outlined the committee's role and responsibilities, key policy updates, financial overview, and strategic risks for the year ahead. The report highlighted the significant financial challenges facing both Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care, driven by increasing demand and complexity of need. It also detailed transformation programmes underway across the People Services Directorate, aimed at improving service delivery and achieving financial sustainability. Key priorities for the committee include ensuring Sutton is an inclusive place for everyone, with a focus on providing care and support to those most in need, promoting independence through technology-enabled care, and improving the lives of Children Looked After and care leavers. The report also touched upon the upcoming Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection for Adult Social Care and the ongoing SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan.

Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) Action Plan Update

Debbie Owen, Head of Service for Quality Assurance, Practice and Performance, provided an update on the Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI) action plan. The JTAI, conducted in July 2023 by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and HMICFRS, focused on the multi-agency response to the identification of initial need and risk. The inspection found that Sutton's local safeguarding children's partnership (LSCP) arrangements are inclusive and effective, with leaders and managers demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the needs of vulnerable children. The report detailed the implementation of a multi-agency action plan to address nine areas identified for improvement, including management oversight, staffing capacity, provision for children in police custody, and multi-agency training. Ms. Owen confirmed that all actions on the JTAI plan have been completed and assurance has been provided by the statutory partners. Councillor Mike Dwyer raised a concern about the front door service only being open 9 am to 5 pm, to which Ms. Owen responded that an out-of-hours service is available through the children's emergency duty team, ensuring 24-hour responsive support. The committee noted the findings and the assurance provided.

Adult Social Care Charging Policy

John Smyth, Head of Finance Operations and Resident Support, and Sandra Howard, Assistant Director of Adult Social Care and Safeguarding, presented proposals for changes to the Adult Social Care Charging Policy. The current policy has not been updated since 2016, and the proposed changes aim to ensure compliance with the Care Act 2014, introduce a more personalised approach to charging, and maximise income to reinvest in services. The key proposals include introducing a weekly charge for assistive technology, including the full amount of disability benefit in charge calculations, and introducing an annual management charge for the council's appointeeship service. A six-week consultation exercise was approved to gather feedback from residents on these proposals. Councillor Qasim Esak questioned the communication strategy for the consultation, particularly regarding the context and rationale for charging for previously free services. Councillor Sam Martin raised concerns about the potential for increased charges to inhibit uptake of services and the cost-benefit analysis of administering the new charging system. Councillor Mike Dwyer also raised questions about the inclusion of ESA and PIP in income calculations, the potential for trust funds to be interrogated for monies, and the vigour of disability-related expenditure (DRE) maximization. The committee voted to approve the six-week consultation exercise, with several members abstaining from the vote. The results of the consultation will be presented to the People Committee in September 2024.

Recommissioning of Specialist Domestic Abuse Services

Sophie Avis, Commissioning Manager for Ending Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls, presented proposals for the recommissioning of specialist domestic abuse services. The current contract, which ends on 31 October 2024, has been successful in providing vital support to victims, survivors, children, and perpetrators. The proposed recommissioning will ensure continuity of these services through a consortium model, aligning with the Ambitious for Sutton plan's commitment to inclusive communities. The report highlighted that 80% of respondents to a recent survey described the current services as excellent. The proposed contract value is up to £1.875 million over three years, with an option to extend for a further two years. Councillor Mike Dwyer inquired about the inclusion of a £123,000 floating support provision within the total contract value, which was confirmed. Councillor Moira Butt raised concerns about the provision for teenage boys in refuges, and Ms. Avis explained that this is a complex issue addressed on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on alternative provision and safeguarding. Councillor Gemma Munday asked about the target for timely access to support and the implications for those who cannot access it promptly, to which Ms. Avis clarified that 99% of victim survivors are contacted within one day, but the overall journey to accessing specific services may vary. Councillor Carl Martin raised questions about the inclusivity of services for the LGBTQ+ community, and Ms. Avis detailed ongoing outreach efforts and the provision of inclusive one-stop shops. The committee approved the Domestic Abuse Commissioning Strategy and delegated authority to the Strategic Director of People Services to award the new contract.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Marian James thanking all members and officers for their contributions.