Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director, Adult Services

The Assistant Director of Adult Services submitted a report (previously circulated) to provide Members with performance data against key performance indicators for 2023/24.

The submitted report outlined performance information in line with an indicator set and Scrutiny Committee distribution agreed by the Monitoring and Coordination Group on 4 June 2018, and subsequently agreed by Scrutiny Committee Chairs.

The submitted report stated that the indicators were aligned with key priorities and the majority are used to monitor the Council Plan. It was stated that other indicators may be referenced when appropriate in narrative provided by the relevant Assistant Directors, when providing the Committee with performance updates. Twelve indicators were reported to this committee, ten on a six-monthly basis and two annually.

It was reported that eight of the twelve indicators were reported on at the end of Quarter 2 of 2023/24, of which two indicators were showing performance better than the same period as of last year. Two indicators indicated that performance had declined in comparison to the same period as last year, however, were still being monitored and managed. One indicator remained the same as last year, and three indicators were not comparable and would be reviewed at a point in time.

The submitted report also stated that due to recent ASCOF/Client Level Data (CLD) changes there were four indicators that were no longer being reported, and that the new indicators that will replace them were currently under development.

Concerns were expressed as to whether residents were being discharged from hospital too soon, and discussion ensued on the conflicting national and local pressures involved. Members noted the increase in younger adults (aged 18-64) presenting with increased complex needs, and ascertained whether this was an ongoing trend. Members scrutinised the support available for families and unpaid carers looking after people within a domiciliary setting. Members were keen that the Carers Strategy was shared with carers. Discussion ensued on why Darlington has the third highest proportion of people using social care services, and the reasons for this.

RESOLVED – That the performance information provided in the submitted report be noted.