Agenda item

The Committee considered a report on the partnership arrangements established in West Wales under Part 9 of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act (SSWBWA) and the West Wales Population Assessment in advance of endorsement by Council.

The report provided an overview of partnership arrangements established within the West Wales footprint to meet the requirements within Part 9 of the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014, which included the establishment of a statutory Regional Partnership Board (RPB). It was noted that the West Wales RPB had been in place since June 2016 and the Terms of Reference were due for review in December 2016. However, Officers explained that it had been agreed to defer a full review of the Terms of Reference to March 2017. It was highlighted that there were regional priorities for RPB, including: integrated commissioning, pooled funds, remodelling mental health and learning disabilities services, information, advice, assistance/prevention and implementation of the Welsh Community Care Information System.

Members were advised of the work undertaken on behalf of the RPB to complete an initial Population Assessment, which had been approved by the Board and had to be endorsed by the statutory partners, prior to publication by 31st March 2017. The Committee was informed that the Assessment identified the needs for care and support in the region, the levels of care and support currently provided and areas for improvement and development. It was highlighted that a wealth of data had been collated to inform the Assessment and there had been an encouraging return rate of surveys. One of the key messages from the Assessment was the anticipated growth in demand for services over the coming few decades, and in particular for older people. Officers explained that low level preventative community care would be an important aspect of addressing this need. Another area to be addressed was ensuring that services were available in Welsh. The Committee were pleased that attention had been given to the importance of developing the use of Welsh in the health and care sector. Officers explained that following the publication of the Population Assessment the RPB was required to develop an area plan to address the needs identified.

The Committee noted that there was one Elected Member from each Local Authority on the Board and queried whether there was a democratic deficit. It was suggested that it would be useful to increase the number Elected Members and for them to be representative of the community. Officers advised that the minimum statutory requirements were currently being met. However, it was the view of the Board that this could be progressed further and it would be considered as part of the review of the Terms of Reference in March. It was noted that carers and service users were represented on the Board. The Committee highlighted the option of co-opting onto the Board and felt that this option could be beneficial to assist those in underrepresented areas, for example, with such issues as transport.

It was clarified that there was one representative on the Board from the Voluntary Services Councils for the three areas. In addition there was also a representative from a national third sector organisation that helped to provide a broader perspective. The Committee requested a flowchart for ease of reference as to how the different Boards and groups related to each other and their accountability. Officers would consider how best to develop this and it was noted that main pieces of legislation, the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, did not link together seamlessly.

Members asked if the life expectancy of adults should be considered, rather than just life expectancy from birth, as a lot of older people moved into the area at retirement age. Officers agreed that older people coming into the area still required services and they could be a valuable community asset in developing preventative services. This was confirmed by the Executive Board Member for Social Care & Health, who represented the Council on the Board.

Members queried whether the RPB was another layer of bureaucracy. Officers highlighted that if the Board had not been developed in the right way then this could have been the case, however, it had been developed to streamline partnership working and there was a genuine desire from all partners to work collaboratively.

Members asked what data had been used for the Population Assessment as there were concerns that the data used may not have been up to date. Officers explained that a variety of data sources were used, which included a data set from the Data Unit Wales and regularly updated data provided on a regional basis.

The Committee felt that it was a positive step to have pooled budgets, however, some concern was expressed about how they would be managed. Officers highlighted that there would be strict criteria and accountability and they would also need to be flexible enough to work across the system.

The Committee thanked the team for all their work.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOVLED that the report be received.