Issue - meetings

Briefing and answers to questions from Cllr Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Well Being.

The Committee received a briefing and answers to questions from Councillor Harris, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Wellbeing.

The Committee welcomed the achievements reported for 2008, in particular Haringey being awarded a two star rating from the Commission for Social Care  Inspection, and noted the priorities for 2009/10. In response to concerns raised by the Committee regarding reported proposals to top slice the budgets of financially solvent PCTs in London in order to assist Trusts with financial challenges, Cllr Harris reported that he had not been formally notified of any such proposals, and would raise this issue at the next meeting with Haringey TPCT. Cllr Harris also agreed to send a letter to Haringey TPCT from himself and the Leader on this issue. The Committee suggested that a 12-monthly cycle of partnership meetings with the TPCT be established, and Cllr Harris agreed to look into this further. It was further suggested that an item on this issue be included on a future Overview and Scrutiny Committee agenda.

The issue of partnership working was discussed and Cllr Harris acknowledged the examples raised by Committee members where partnership working could have been improved. Cllr Harris gave a commitment that, where issues had been identified, lessons would be learned in order for partnership working to improve in the future. 

The Committee asked about the number of vulnerable adults placed in the Borough by other local authorities, and the procedures that were in place for such cases. The Committee was assured by the Assistant Director, Adult Services, that robust protocols were in place and that figures for the number of such placements would be provided to the Committee outside the meeting.

In response to concerns raised by the Committee relating to the increase in water and heating charges for residents of sheltered housing, Cllr Harris agreed to take this message back. Cllr Harris reported that the service was on target to deliver the savings identified in the budget, and that there were continuing budgetary pressures.

The Committee suggested that the provision of information on proposed changes to GP services should be a priority for Adult Social Care and Wellbeing, and that it was important for work to continue on identifying tools to reduce the amount of time spent by social workers on paperwork.

RESOLVED

That the briefing and answers to questions be noted.