Agenda item

Councillor H.I. Jones declared a personal interest in that his daughter-in-law works for Social Care Services. 

Councillor K. Madge declared a personal interest in that his daughter works in Social Care Services.

Councillor E. Morgan declared a personal interest in that his daughter is employed as a psychiatric nurse.

Councillor J. Williams declared a personal interest in that she is an un-paid carer.

The Committee received for its consideration a progress report on the Coleshill Centre for Economic Inclusion. The comprehensive report was presented following the Committee’s request at its meeting in March 2015 and included a series of recommendations in relation to future models of service delivery at the Centre.  

The following issues were discussed during consideration of the report:

Appreciation for the work of the Centre was expressed, especially for the opportunities being provided for a wide variety of individuals and it was suggested that more marketing work be undertaken to promote its activities. Reference was also made to the significant amount of European funding that had now come to an end and more detail was sought on the staffing/building costs in relation to the income generated. The Senior Manager (Community Inclusion) stated that there were a number of projects under the Coleshill umbrella and all the rooms were currently rented out. An administration framework was also in place which supported other projects and brought in additional income. The Director of Community Services reminded the Committee that the ‘hidden costs’ associated with a service of this nature needed to be quantified rather than simply considering the basic income and costs. It was important to remember that those individuals employed by the Local Authority would find it difficult to secure employment elsewhere due to the additional support they required.

It was asked whether the Grounds Maintenance service offered by the Centre could be sourcing work from town and community councils, especially as many facilities were now being transferred to these councils from the Local Authority. The Senior Manager (Community Inclusion) stated that a meeting was planned with potential service users and discussions had already been held with a Town Council in the county. The Service was already maintaining the grounds in and around the Parc-y-Scarlets stadium. The previous European Social Funding had actually prevented this Service from competing in the open market but since this had now ceased, the Service was able to bid for work. 

Reference was made to the drop in numbers of employees at the SA31 Café in County Hall and it was also suggested that this café was not fulfilling its potential when compared with the two cafeterias that used to exist within the two main administrative buildings in Carmarthen. The Senior Manager (Community Inclusion) informed the Committee that reduction in the numbers of staff at the SA31 Café had coincided with the ending of the COASTAL project and European funding. However, numbers were now increasing and it was expected that 10 students from Heol Goffa and Q.E. High School would access the catering opportunities during the year. With regards to the services provided at the SA31 Café itself, she noted that a focus group had been established to consider the future direction and questionnaires had also been circulated in County Hall to ascertain what types of refreshments employees wished to see provided there. The Director of Community Services reminded the Committee that the town centre had changed dramatically in the last few years with a wide range of food outlets now available to staff. It was therefore important that the SA31 Café marketed itself and highlighted how its services were different in light of the competition it faced from the town centre establishments.

In response to a question on the impact of future austerity cuts on the Coleshill Centre, the Interim Head of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities suggested that this might actually increase the number of users at the Centre rather than cause a decrease.

In light of the Committee’s request at its meeting in March 2015 for an accurate business plan, clarification was sought as to the next steps in the process and when the Committee would have sight of the final proposals for the Centre. The Director of Community Services and the Executive Board Member for Social Care & Health advised that as this was not a change in policy, this matter would not be required to pass through the political process, however, it would be useful for the Committee to scrutinise the action plan on an on-going basis. The Director envisaged that a further report would be ready for the Spring 2016.

It was asked whether the micro and social enterprises operating from Coleshill were taking advantage of any tax benefits to which they were entitled. The Senior Manager (Community Inclusion) noted that staff had received training that week in relation to the latest changes to such benefits. Officers were also working alongside the Education & Children Department’s NEET Strategy Group and Transition Service to ensure a seamless transition for youngsters into projects or initiatives at Coleshill by utilising these services’ existing administrative processes.

Reference was made to previous discussion on supportive employment opportunities and it was suggested that the Local Authority could do more to ensure that as many individuals as possible were assisted and offered opportunities to work for the Authority and that this be included alongside one of the recommendations within the report. The Director of Community Services and the Senior Manager (Community Inclusion) welcomed the suggestion and agreed that a clearer statement could be included in the action plan outlining the Authority’s commitment to increase employment opportunities for individuals with specific needs, in a similar way in which care leavers had also been provided with employment opportunities in recent years. 

It was asked whether facilities similar to those at Coleshill were also available to residents in the north of the county, particularly in the Carmarthen area. The Interim Head of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities informed the Committee that similar opportunities were available in Carmarthen (e.g. Social Activity Centre in Johnstown) but that many services were being provided in different ways by the voluntary sector. He agreed that the services available could be included in future reports. 

RESOLVED that the report be received.