Agenda item

The Committee considered a report and presentation providing an update on the progress and development of an initiative aimed at maintaining and improving citizens’ quality of life at home and improving community resilience by reducing financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

The Financial Exploitation Safeguarding Scheme (FESS) was created as a multi-agency scheme and developed by Carmarthenshire Trading Standards. Organisations/departments signed up to this reciprocal voluntary participation scheme to work together to develop safeguarding policies and procedures and refer victims of financial exploitation. It was noted that the scheme was funded by money that had been confiscated from criminals and had received national recognition for the work undertaken. The scheme underpins and brings together Carmarthenshire Trading Standards current portfolio of practical safeguarding measures, which were outlined to the Committee. In addition case studies highlighting the work of the scheme were provided.

It was queried if there had been success in finding the people responsible for running scams and whether they were prosecuted. The Lead Trading Standards Officer explained that it was often difficult to find the people responsible, however, wherever possible cases were built to prosecute them.

The Committee noted that only Barclays and Halifax banks had officially signed up to the Debt and Mental Health Initiative and it was asked why other banks had not. The Officer informed the Committee that local branches of other banks were interested and did informally provide them with information about concerns, however, official agreement had to be signed by head offices and they seemed reluctant.

Concerns were expressed in regards to the increase of doorstop selling and how older people were particularly vulnerable to this. It was queried how handy persons and gardeners could sign up to be on the registered list and how residents could obtain a copy of the list. The processes for becoming registered were outlined, which included having to agree to operate fairly and have a DBS check. The Officer recognised that more promotion of the scheme was required and it was explained that people could download the list from the Council website or call the contact centre to send it to them. The registered people would also have a card to certify they were part of the scheme. It was confirmed that the Service linked in with a similar scheme undertaken with Care and Repair. The Committee agreed that further publicity and promotion of the Register Handyperson and Gardeners Scheme should be undertaken during 2017. Examples of how the scheme could be promoted included advertising in local newspapers and with fifty plus groups.

The Head of Integrated Services highlighted the Make Every Contact Count initiative that was in place. The initiative focussed on older people and for services that were in contact with them to identify potential risks, including preventing them becoming victims of scams.

The Committee asked if information on the initiatives were displayed in GP surgeries and it was explained that Trading Standards had some difficulties in linking in with surgeries. The Head of Integrated Services said that they would be able to assist the Service with this and suggested that local pharmacies could also be involved in distributing information.

The current performance was noted and it was asked how many clients had been helped. It was highlighted that it was difficult to give an exact figure but it was roughly 50 to 60 people over the last two years.

The Committee thanked the Service for the work they had put into this very important scheme. It was noted that there were some very experienced officers working in that area, which was a benefit to the Council.

RESOLVED

6.1       that the report be unanimously received;

6.2       that further publicity and promotion of the Registered Handyperson and Gardeners Scheme be undertaken during 2017.