Members are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or any other relevant interest in connection with any item(s) on this agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

Members are reminded that they should also declare whether they are subject to a party whip in connection with any item(s) to be considered and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of the whipping arrangement.

Councillor Clements declared a personal interest by virtue of her employment in an early years setting.

Councillor Hornby declared a personal interest by virtue of his appointment as a trustee/Director of Voluntary and Community Action Wirral.

Councillor Roberts declared a personal interest by virtue of her appointment on the Management Committees of Arch Initiatives and Wirral Council for Voluntary Service.

Councillor Mooney declared a personal interest by virtue of her employment with Age UK.

Councillor Norbury declared a personal interest by virtue of his employment with Merseytravel and by virtue of him having a relative employed at a Children’s Centre

Councillor Williams declared a personal interest by virtue of his appointment on the Management Committees of Arch Initiatives.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the last meeting of the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee held on 9 September, 2013.

RESOLVED:

That the accuracy of Minutes of the meeting of the Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee held on 9 September, 2013 be approved.

The summary document and individual budget options papers are attached.

A presentation will also be made on this item.

The Committee considered the summary documents and the budget proposals for the Families and Wellbeing Department. Clare Fish, Strategic Director, Families and Wellbeing introduced the proposals and explained the key principles behind the proposals and indicated that the Directorate would be working alongside, Public Health, Schools and Health to design appropriate services to support those most in need. The priority for the Department was to fulfil its duty to support the most vulnerable whilst providing value for money.

1.  Option: Paying for Social Care

·  Were any of the neighbouring Authorities doing this?

·  Was there an estimate of how many people would be charged?

·  What was the procedure for dealing with those people who have estates to sell to pay for their care?

·  What were the charges for respite care, and how many people could potentially be affected?

·  Why was the proposal to increase the Council’s debt recovery rate set at 87.5%?

  In response to the above questions raised by Members, Ms Chris Beyga, Head of Delivery confirmed that other neighbouring authorities were charging along with the Wirral and indicated that regular assessment were being undertaken but it was expected to affect a small number of people who would be charge and those facing maximum increases would be appropriately financial assessed to ensure affordability. In relation to those people who have property to sell to pay for their care, Ms Beyga indicated that this was a sensitive issue dealt with between the Department, lawyers and the families. In relation to those affected by the charges for respite care, it was confirmed that the estimated number would be minimal; this would be confirmed to Members. 

2.  Option: Shared Services and Integration (Adult Social Care)

·  In relation to the work being done already, were the NHS going to be asked to pay for what they should in relation to services provided?

·  In relation to reviews detailed in the option summary how was the savings going to be made?

·  What was the potential impact on staff?

·  In relation to the proposed reduction in Mental Health provision, would this be kept under review to ensure services could be provided for all ages?

·  In relation to the Staff options review, what was the timescale?

·  What were the Shared Services options?

·  Would there be a negative impact on the delivery of care services?

·  Need more specific details and options before consideration at Council

In response to the above Questions/comments raised by Members, Ms Beyga indicated that the Department were currently consulting with the NHS regarding service provision and agreed to provide a briefing note on the details of this to Members. In relation to reviews and the savings to be made, Ms Beyga indicated that the Department were reviewing all its services provision to ensure they were fit for purpose and identify savings where possible. In relation to the impacts on staff, this was yet to be determined a full review on the options would be undertook in November/December.

With regards to reductions in Mental Health provision.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

In relation to the Attainment Sub-Committee, Ms Hassall indicated that the Terms of Reference were currently in draft and that the membership had now been agreed with the Chair and Spokespersons.  

In relation to work programme items, A Members suggested that a Task and Finish Group be undertaken to look at Safeguarding Children.

RESOLVED:

That a Task and Finish Group in relation to Safeguarding Children be added to the work programme.