Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B H Hopkins and H M Morris.

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Communities Cabinet Advisory Committee held on 11 February, 2016 be approved as a correct record, subject to the inclusion of Councillor A S Lewis, Cabinet Member for Next Generation Services, Councillor P M Meara and K Ross, Frack Free Wales, attendance being recorded.

The Chair advised that the Head of Poverty and Prevention had forwarded apologies as she was unable to attend.

RESOLVED that the matter be DEFERRED to the next meeting.

The Community Housing Service Manager, assisted by the Adaptations Co-ordinator, presented a report on Disabled Facilities Grants.

He outlined the background; policy context; budget; DFG process; performance and minor adaptions.

Members’ asked questions of the Officers who responded accordingly.

Key issues from discussions included the:

·       need to ‘recycle’ adapted properties within the housing stock;

·       inclusion of external adaptations;

·       benefit of home repair loans;

·       Hospital discharges and timescales;

·       Relocation grants;

·       increase in waiting times for the 2014-2015 municipal year;

·       benefits from in-house Occupational Therapist posts;

·       need for calculations in respect of the cost of delays to the NHS and Adult Social Services to be undertaken and the role of the Adult Services Monitoring and Performance Scrutiny Panel in obtaining this information

·       role of Care and Repair;

·       role of the Cabinet Member for Next Generation services in resisting a cut to the DFG budget;

·        

The Cabinet Member for Next Generation Services explained that and whilst there may appear to be cheaper ways of procuring equipment (e.g, a walk-in shower from a local DIY chain) the process for determining individual’s needs was an intense, person centred process that was ‘tailored’ to individuals specific needs. 

RESOLVED that:

a)    The report be NOTED; and

b)    The Chair speak to the Section 151 Officer to determine a way to quantify the cost of delays with DFG’s.

·       Home repair loans;

·       The system of prioritisations and burden placed on the NHS when individuals are unable to go back to their homes because they are unsuitable;

RESOLVED that the report be NOTED.

The Chair referred to the Work Plan and stated that he would consider the manner in which the Committee deals with the two Cabinet Member Portfolios.

RESOLVED that the work plan be NOTED.