Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng / Cllr Craig ab Iago
Decision:
To accept and note the information in the report.
Minutes:
The item was submitted by Cllr Craig ab Iago.
RESOLVED
To accept and note the information in the
report.
DISCUSSION
It was highlighted that the purpose of the report
was to submit the latest information on what had been achieved in the field
outlining the latest on those matters that were included in the Strategic Plan,
the performance measures and the latest on the savings and cuts schemes.
The Cabinet Member noted that he was a new
member of the Cabinet and had been busy familiarising himself with the work of
the services. He expressed that a number of the services were going through a
period of change and remodelling but that in general, he was happy with the
performance. He was eager to see the services continue to succeed despite all
the challenges they would face in the near future. He reiterated that his priority for the next
period was to ensure interdepartmental collaboration to address poverty and
deprivation.
Attention was drawn to the 'Joint effort
against Poverty' strategic project and it was noted that good work had been
achieved in holding 'Pennywise' events across the County as a way for Gwynedd
residents to find out about how make the best of their money.
Concern was expressed about changes to the
welfare and benefits system and the changes to Universal Credit (effective from
April 2018) that were likely to affect 300+ households in the County. It was
reported that sessions had been arranged for front line staff to share
information and prepare for those changes.
Observations arising from the discussion:
- Did the new responsibilities within the
Homelessness Legislation give added pressure on staff's time to keep detailed
records of the assessment process add value to the service?
- The performance of the Disabled Facilities
Grant was insufficient (despite the consideration given to periods of arranging
and erecting extensions).
- In relation to Universal Credit, it was
suggested that the concerns should be highlighted to Local Members of
Parliament as the arrangements to administrate the credit centrally by the
Government could highlight further concerns.
- The Cabinet Member's appetite to work on an
interdepartmental level to address poverty was welcomed.
- An update was needed on the Welsh Government
perspective on the Tackling Poverty agenda. It appeared that it was no longer a
priority
- There was a need to measure the impact of
projects such as Exercise Referral and Dementia Go when considering transferring
Leisure Centres to a new company managed by the Council.
In response to a comment on the homelessness
provision, the Head of Service highlighted that the Government and Partners
were making extra demands for information from the Unit. The comment made that
there was a need to review the process due to the further increase on the
Unit's demands as a result of changes to benefit payments was accepted.
In response to an observation on Tackling
Poverty it was noted that the Government was reconsidering the field in its
entirety and that the strategies were being reviewed. It was suggested that
there would be an announcement from the Government in November 2017.
In response to am observation on the Exercise
Referral and Dementia Go projects, it was noted that these projects were very
important and that demand was increasing. It was reported that data was being
gathered in order to measure the impact. It was highlighted that the service
was collaborating through the Departments, but there was a need to convince the
Health Service to contribute. It was accepted that the projects did not come
under the scope of Leisure Centres. It was reiterated that the money that
supported Dementia Go would be ending and it was suggested that there was a
need to hold a discussion with Welsh Government to challenge the rules for
using the ICP grant funding.
Awdur:Iwan Trefor Jones
Supporting documents: