Issue - meetings

To receive the findings of the HASC Working Group on Social Inclusion, and consider the draft report due for consideration by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at her 5 December 2018 Decision Day.

Representatives of Adults Health and Care provided a report and supporting presentation regarding the findings of the HASC Working Group on Social Inclusion and a draft report due for consideration by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at her 5 December 2018 Decision Day. (see Item 11 in the Minute Book).

Members heard that of the £55.9m savings the Adults’ Health and Care Department was required to make under the agreed Transformation to 2019 programme, £2m had been identified to be found from social inclusion services. Following detailed work, it was now proposed to provide £1.8m savings from this budget and make up the remainder from other budgets.

The changes proposed had been developed via close working with districts and boroughs who also provide services for homeless people. It was proposed the new arrangements start in August 2019 to allow a transition phase. Consultation had been undertaken, and the feedback received supported the principle of focusing the funds available to support the most vulnerable.

District Council’s were receiving additional funding and responsibilities in this area, so the County was working closely with them on the overall provision for this cohort. The HASC had held a task and finish group looking in to the detail of this service change, and the conclusion of this group had been to support the proposed recommendations to the Executive Member. This service was not a statutory requirement.

RESOLVED:

a) That the recommendations in the report ‘Homelessness Support Services: Outcome of the Social Inclusion Transformation to 2019 Review’ under section 1 are endorsed to the Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health for decision.

b) That the County Council actively participates in partnerships, at a district and county level, to reduce homelessness and end rough sleeping.

c) That the County Council actively engages with all partners to explore how the varying needs of individuals and families can be met earlier and before they may need more intensive services.

d) That the County Council continues to offer expertise to and partners with any District or Borough Council choosing to put in bids for additional funding opportunities, where the objectives of this funding aligns with the objectives of the Social Inclusion Services.

e) That the County Council monitor the impact of these changes.