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Contact: Glynda O'Brien (01341) 424301
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APOLOGIES To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillors Alan
Jones Evans, E. Selwyn Griffiths, Siân Wyn Hughes,
Dewi Owen, Peter Read, Mair Rowlands (Cabinet Member Children and Young
People), Neil Foden and David Healey (Teaching Unions) and Morwena Edwards
(Corporate Director) |
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DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST To receive any declaration of personal interest. Additional documents: Minutes: No declarations of
personal interest were received from any members present. |
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URGENT BUSINESS To note any items that are a
matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration. Additional documents: |
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The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on the 26 November 2015, be signed as a true copy. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair signed
the minutes of the previous meeting of this Committee that took place on 26
November 2015. Councillor Alwyn
Gruffydd reminded the committee of the need for the Head of Education to submit
a written report to this Scrutiny Committee stemming from the minute at the
previous meeting under the heading Urgent Items - Schools Savings Target. |
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ACCOMMODATION STRATEGY PDF 287 KB Cabinet Member: Cllr. W. Gareth Roberts To
consider a report by the Adults and Health Cabinet Member on the above. 10.00 a.m. – 10.45 a.m. Additional documents: Minutes: (a) A report was submitted by the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health together with a draft strategy
for the accommodation of older people and he drew attention
to the strategy's main priorities
namely: ·
Support individuals
to stay in their homes for
as long as possible ·
Find specific
geographical areas where it is likely
that the demand will be high ·
Ensure suitable
accommodation for older people ·
Ensure that
Gwynedd’s older people are aware
of the accommodation options
that exist within the County and that accessible information is available (b) The Senior Housing Manager
referred to the strategy's aim that sets
a direction in terms of the population needs. Specific areas were looked at and the service that is currently available. The Committee was reminded of the challenges facing the Council as well as the growth in
population. There was a growth in the population of those aged 85+ with a high percentage
living alone and dependent on social
care. It appeared that
if the accommodation was suitable for the individuals then they could remain
in their own homes and the cost for the service was less. The trends were considered and it was seen that there
was a lack of provision in some areas
particularly in the coastal communities. In addition, it was noted that there
was a significant growth in the number of patients with dementia and this caused concern
for the future and a balance would be sought between the current provision and future requirements. Eight areas
had been identified regarding the pressure on the population and it was seen that
in some areas
the population was older, some young people
were moving out and the pattern of the influx of people was by now fairly
consistent.
In terms of the eight areas, the type of appropriate provision that would fully meet
with the need was considered. They would look
at the future role of the residential sector as there were more residential / nursing beds than sheltered housing provision. (c) The Strategic Housing Manager noted that
the strategy had long-term and financial
implications and a partnership
with a housing association would have to be considered that would in
turn be dependent on grants, etc. (ch) Members were given an
opportunity to scrutinise
the strategy and they highlighted the following points: ·
Why cannot the Council consider dual registration
especially as the Health Board / CSSIW support this? ·
Concern regarding
the reduction in the number of traditional residential beds with the beds now
transferred to the Health Board, and as a result there was no place for
local people specifically in Blaenau
Ffestiniog, with no land available to establish additional sheltered accommodation for the needs of local people. ·
Concern when
private residential care homes were
closing, that the responsibility fell on the Council to keep the home open until
the residents could be re-located. · That the ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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GWYNEDD COUNCIL 2015-16 PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (QUARTER 2) - CARE PDF 308 KB Cabinet Member: Cllr. W. Gareth Roberts To consider a report by the Head of Adults, Health and
Well-being Department on the above. 10.45 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. Additional documents: Minutes: A report was
submitted by the Head of Adults, Health and Well-being Department in response
to questions from Members following the receipt of the Overview Report on the
Council's performance. Members were given
an opportunity to ask questions and the Head of Adults, Health and Well-being
Department responded as follows: (a) that there
were new requirements in relation to welfare duties, however, nothing specific
had been received from the Government thus far. The duties would have to be undertaken
within the existing resources and it would be necessary to conform to a wider
restructuring within the Department. It
was trusted that a Well-being Manager would be appointed next month. (b) that
approximately 20 students per annum attend the MA course in Social Work at
Bangor. The Department had recently
advertised for staff in the Meirionnydd area and the response was good. (c) It was
explained that it was proposed to raise public awareness of the Care Challenge
and as a first step they would contact the Town Council and dependent on the
response a wider work programme could be determined to meet with specific
groups. It was noted that there was an
appeal to visit the Penllyn area where five Community
Councils were working together. It was
assured that the awareness of Local Members would be raised in these visits in
order that they are aware if there are any visits in their area. (ch) an undertaking was given that the figures would be
circulated to Councillor Linda Ann Wyn Jones regarding the number who are on
the waiting lists of Social Workers. (a)
A great deal of research had been undertaken
regarding career pathways, however, there was a great deal of work yet to be
achieved. It was acknowledged that it
was difficult to recruit Social Workers and care workers in rural areas, and
some of the external providers recruited care workers from overseas. However, an assurance was given that a great
deal of effort had been made to contact Colleges of Further Education to raise
the profile of opportunities but care was not an attractive career in terms of
wages. More attention needed to be
given to ensure that individuals identify the field soon and that there are
opportunities to develop a further career.
It was confirmed that a great deal had been done at a professional level
in order to develop individuals in their career. It was recognised that the training
structures of some external providers appeared stronger than others. It was noted that the Council should perhaps
consider setting specific clauses in contracts in order to ensure an element of
investment to develop career pathways. (dd) Regarding the cuts, that the main elements in terms of impact had been presented and some would have an impact on the service such as on visits and timely assessments etc. and this meant difficult choices. However, having made an effort to get rid of waste, it was trusted that the impact would be less on ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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WORK PROGRAMME - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT 2014-15 (CSSIW) PDF 66 KB Cabinet Member: Cllr. W. Gareth Roberts To consider a report in
response to Care
and Social Services Inspectorate Wales’ (CSSIW) performance evaluation report. 11.30 a.m. – 12.15 p.m. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Work Programme
was presented that was formulated in response to the Performance Evaluation
Report 2014/15 of the Care and Social Services Inspectorate. Members were given
an opportunity to scrutinise the work programme and they highlighted the
following points and these were responded to by the relevant officers: (a)
it was felt that the matters in question had
already been discussed and that there was no progress in term of the timetable It was explained
that the work programme was responding specifically to what was asked by the
Inspectorate. A comment was received
that it appeared that there had been some slowness over the last few months but
this was for specific reasons and the fact that staff had to look at other ways
of working. A Member added
that 2/3 of the project had been slow but this was dependent on decisions. It had to be borne in mind that many of the
changes dealt with Department's culture, however, they would welcome a
timetable that stated specific dates in the action plan. (b) Why were the
Inspectorate currently visiting organisations/ individuals? It was explained
that the Inspectorate had chosen Gwynedd as one of the six authorities in Wales
to receive an inspection of the learning disabilities service specifically, and
they needed to discuss this with organisations / families and individuals. (b)
What has happened to the residents of Plas y Bryn Home, Bontnewydd? It was explained
that the Council and the Health Board had organised to re-locate the residents
of Plas y Bryn to specific wards in hospitals and to
locations across North Wales dependent on the type of care they needed. In addition, some had moved to the home at
Bryn Seiont Newydd In further response to a comment regarding
Bryn Seiont fees, that there had been negotiations
between the Council, the Health Board and the home regarding a standard fee for
individuals placed there. (ch) That the situation with the closure of the Bryn Llifon Home was a different process and concerned financial
viability and staff recruitment difficulties.
(d) Regarding
staff morale in the Department, the Head confirmed that he was of the opinion
that it was low and it had to be remembered that the Department was going
through significant changes in terms of culture, form and work processes with
the re-structuring causing uncertainty for staff. It was trusted that once the changes were
clear then they would be able to move forward and morale would improve. In terms of the timetable and bearing in
mind that the changes were on a significant scale, it was anticipated that the
situation would take approximately 12-15 months to settle down. (dd) it was suggested that it would be advantageous to
nominate two or three members from this Scrutiny Committee to assist with
formulating the brief for the strategic plan regarding the arrangements to
assist carers. (e) The importance to keep an eye on, and give attention to supporting carers and to remember that ... view the full minutes text for item 7. |
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CORPORATE PARENTING PANEL To elect a member to serve on
the Corporate Parenting Panel to succeed Councillor Elin Walker Jones following
her recent resignation from the Panel. 12.15 p.m. – 12.25 p.m. Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved: To elect Councillor Siân
Wyn Hughes to serve on the Corporate Parent Panel to succeed Councillor Elin
Walker Jones, following her recent resignation from the Panel. |