The committee received the mid-year quarterly
progress report, which was supplemented by a presentation from
Becky Hale, Assistant
Director, People Strategy and
Commissioning.
The Council Plan quarter 2
performance report for the period 1 April to 30 September 2020 was
considered and approved by Cabinet on 12 November. The report
provided an overview of progress of the key elements of the Council
Plan, specifically in relation to performance against key business
measures (KBMs), strategic risks and workforce management. A
separate financial monitoring report for the period covering both
the revenue and capital budgets, reserves and delivery of the
savings plan was presented and considered at the same Cabinet
meeting.
A tailored report was provided for the
services under the committee’s remit. This included strategic
context and a performance commentary, assessed against the KBMs. It
expanded on areas of note and two areas concerning inspection
activity which had needed to be paused. Four areas were currently
not on track and further commentary was provided on those areas. A
financial commentary was also provided.
The presentation pulled out key aspects of the
report relating to the following areas:
- Council overview – the council
plan, high level outcomes and key business measures (KBMs)
- The People Directorate overview and
the 14 KBMs within the committee’s remit.
- Areas of success, those paused and
areas for improvement
- The financial aspects
Questions and comments were submitted, with
responses provided as indicated:
- New legislation was being introduced
which placed statutory duties on councils in regard to domestic
abuse. There was a correlation to mental health and drug/alcohol
abuse. It was suggested that performance indicators for this area
could be refined to provide smarter reporting arrangements and a
briefing on the new duties would be helpful too. The points on
reviewing indicators would be taken on board. Reference was made to
the multi-disciplinary team approach with service providers to
understand people and their needs. A lot of work was taking place
to prepare for the new duties and for the recommissioning of
domestic abuse support services. A briefing note would be prepared
as requested.
- Further information was provided
about people reducing care visits for day care and respite
services. Compared to the first wave of the pandemic, there had
been a significant increase in take up of domiciliary care
support.
- Discussion about the financial
aspects, which were complex, with multiple income streams. Overall
activity levels were expected to be slightly higher than normal,
but not significantly so. A specific
area raised was the revised guidance limiting entitlement to free
care and support for some service recipients.
- Officers had noted that some people
who self-funded their care costs seemed reluctant to go into care.
This was impacting on admissions and there were occupancy rate
considerations for some providers, but the council was working
closely with them. The same level of reduction was not being seen
for community-based support.
- The impact of lockdowns for the
elderly, causing a decline in both mental and physical health.
Additional support may be required ...
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