Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest reported at the meeting.

Submitted – The Minutes (previously circulated) of the meeting of this Scrutiny Committee held on 2 March 2021.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting of this Scrutiny Committee held on 2 March 2021, be approved as a correct record.

Report of Director of Children and Adult Services

The Director of Children and Adult Services submitted a report (previously circulated) to update Members on the progress of the Adults Social Care Transformation Programme, which was last reported to this Committee in August 2020.

The submitted report stated that the Care Act provided the context to review and implement a new operating model for Adult Social Care services to support the delivery of good quality services at a sustainable cost, and that the Transformation Programme was enabling the delivery of modern services which are Care Act compliant, and work in partnership with people to maximise their individual strengths and assets.

The submitted report highlighted that this was rolling programme, and that there were currently several projects in progress, with varying degrees of complexity.

Members sought clarification on a number of acronyms used within the report, and how resources would be freed up in order to refocus on the projects contained within the programme. Members also expressed concerns around the sustainability within the care home sector, and enquired as the support that could be offered to ensure longevity.

Members were keen to receive feedback on the roll-out of the Care and Support Needs Assessment.

Concerns were raised in relation to costs incurred by residents who needed to source alternative care arrangements during the pandemic, where their regular care provider was unable to attend. Members were advised that addition support had been made available from Darlington Association on Disability and agency workers, and, where necessary, adjustments would be made to direct payments to reflect this additional cost.   

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

Report of Director of Children and Adult Services

The Director of Children and Adult Services submitted a report (previously circulated) to provide an outline and overview of the Developing Darlington Care Collective (DDCC), including the aims and objectives of the group.

The submitted report provided the concept and rationale for a Care Collective, particularly in terms of the drive to ‘make every contact count’ (MECC), and the work undertaken to link in with existing volunteers and staff across multi-agency partners across the Borough of Darlington, including the work done to link closely with the Darlington Partnership and Darlington Cares.

Members were keen to learn whether training was provided to partners in relation to identifying indications of domestic abuse and fuel poverty, and Members were pleased to hear that this was something those in the DDCC remained conscious of. Members were also keen to ensure that services for those with learning disabilities, mental health issues and domiciliary care were incorporated in the DDCC, and were reassured that all aspects were included.

Members enquired whether social housing providers were involved and were informed that the Council’s Housing Team were participating in the Collective, however there were certainly opportunities for other organisations and private contractors to be involved too.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

Report of the Managing Director

The Managing Director submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting that Members gave consideration to a request received from Councillor Holroyd that a Review of Adult Care Services during Covid be added to this Scrutiny Committee’s Work Programme.

The submitted report stated that a request had been received from a Member of this Committee requesting that this Scrutiny Committee hold a review, in conjunction with the Health and Housing Scrutiny Committee, into how the service coped during the pandemic, how the service users and their families found them, and any changes which need to be made as a result, or any ongoing needs which might be identified, to inform ahead of any future waves of coronavirus and associated restrictions / lockdowns, or any other future disease outbreak response which may be required.

The submitted report invited Members to make a decision on whether this item should be added to its Work Programme, and, if so, how the work should proceed.

RESOLVED – (a) That a Task and Finish Review Group be established to undertake the work outlined in the Quad of Aims, and that an invitation be extended to Members of the Health and Housing Scrutiny Committee to participate in the work.

(b) That the Work Programme be updated accordingly.

Report of the Managing Director

The Managing Director submitted a report requesting that Members gave consideration to the Work Programme items scheduled to be considered by this Scrutiny Committee during 2020/21, and to any additional areas that Members would like to be included.

RESOLVED – That the current status of the Work Programme be noted.