Agenda item

To consider a report by the Care Cabinet Member on the above.

a)    A report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health in response to a series of questions asked by the Scrutiny Committee stemming from the changes in the Learning Disabilities Service.

b)    The Cabinet Member reported that it was necessary to transform the above service in order to ensure that innovative support is offered in Gwynedd.  In addition, it was necessary to introduce changes which will find savings, but more importantly, improve the outcome for the individual. Communication and promoting the changes and ensuring support and understanding of individuals and their families, staff and providers both internally and externally were key and led to effective cooperation to reach the aim and ensure better services for the needs of individuals.

c)    During the ensuing discussion the following points were noted by individual Members:

              i.        That they should press for confirmation from the Welsh Government regarding finance to extend the provision for autistic persons.

             ii.        The importance of informing parents / individuals / service users when it was necessary to re-organise meetings.

            iii.        Whilst supporting the vision to promote individuals to be independent there was concern regarding the impact at grassroots level and specifically supporting individuals with learning disabilities who go into the world of work and as a result lose benefits.  

           iv.        It was asked what would Gwynedd Council do as a postholder (Autism Key Worker) had resigned, to ensure that persons with learning disabilities received a worthy service.

            v.        The report was welcomed, however, it was noted that there were lessons to be learnt and reference was made to activities previously offered to persons with learning disabilities specifically at Ysgol Botwnnog and the tree nursery at Glynllifon that gave individuals a feeling of self-worth and were also beneficial.

           vi.        Cuts to the learning disabilities service would have a detrimental impact on individuals.

          vii.        Every Member should be encouraged to receive training on autism and how to deal with individuals.

         viii.        There was no reference to parents / families in the report and it was felt that they were being disregarded.

           ix.        A request for representatives with learning disabilities / mental health / autism to meet the Scrutiny Committee in order to hear their views and to come to understand and raise the Committee’s awareness of their needs.

            x.        Concern as a result of the changes between Gwynedd / Anglesey that individuals might lose out on services.

(d)        The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health and the officers responded to the observations made by individual Members as follows:

a)    It was explained that the ‘Key Ring’ model was national and gave arm’s length volunteer support to persons with learning disabilities and they were available if any emergency arose.  The scheme was not in operation in Gwynedd, however, it was further noted that it was necessary to be more innovative in the schemes available but it had to be borne in mind that each one was not suitable for Gwynedd due to the County’s geographical nature. 

b)    It was explained that in terms of further finance to fund the post of Support and Community Monitoring, it was recognised that the situation was difficult and that a message had been sent to the Welsh Government for early information regarding this. 

c)    Further to the above, it was noted that £40,000 would be transferred to Gwynedd and it was hoped to use part of this funding for a post, up to 31 March, with the remainder directed to the children's service to train staff on how to deal with children on the autistic spectrum.  It was added that it would be possible to express a view regarding the financial situation as part of the Cuts Workshops that were currently proceeding.   

d)    It was recognised that it was necessary to build upon strengths as well as to respect the views of individuals when developing the new models over the next three years.

e)    In terms of assessing the needs of individuals who are children and once they had grown to be adults, an assurance was given that there was a very good relationship with the Adults Service and there were systems and guidance in place that were regularly reviewed.  It was the responsibility of the Children’s Team to refer children when they are 14 years old to the Forums in order that the Adults Service can forward plan for them.  It was confirmed that it was difficult to deal with cases with very complex needs and further consideration was required as finance was directed from different sources.

f)     That the Advocacy Service assisted vulnerable people to choose home insurance and similar matters.

g)    243 adults with learning disabilities had used the advocacy service over the last financial year and groups met regularly across the county.

h)    The Out of Hours /Weekend Team was available for twenty four hours if individuals were in Police custody.     

i)      That following consultation with the Service there would be a discussion at the next preparatory meeting of the Scrutiny Committee on the best way to engage and meet service users.

j)      Regarding staff morale, that uncertainty and concern about the future dealt more with the financial situation generally rather than the changes afoot in the service.   The Head of Service noted that although he had been in post for only a brief period, the enthusiasm and understanding of the staff for change had heartened him. 

k)    It was recognised that formal monitoring arrangements were not in place and attention needed to be given to this and an assurance was given that any situations would be identified if there were concerns via the networks of the Management Teams within individual services.

Resolved:       (a)        To accept and note the contents of the report.

 (b)      To request that the Service provides a draft plan on

engagement arrangements with users to hear their views for discussion at this Scrutiny Committee's preparatory meeting.