Agenda item

QUESTION BY COUNCILLOR KEVIN MADGE TO COUNCILLOR JANE TREMLETT, CABINET MEMBER FOR HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES.

“Could I have an update from the Cabinet Member on the following services and budgets at the Day Centre:-

 

  1. Could I have an update on the attendance at the centre since the last County Council meeting on 28th September;
  2. What is the current budget for Cwmaman Centre and what is the underspend for 2022/23;
  3. Could you give me an update on the upgrading works which needs to be carried out at the centre kitchen;
  4. Could I ask the Cabinet Member where are the elderly people in the Amman Valley in their 80s and 90s going to go when they can’t heat their homes this winter when the day centre is closed.”

 

Minutes:

“Could I have an update from the Cabinet Member on the following services and budgets at the Day Centre:-

 

1.    Could I have an update on the attendance at the centre since the last County Council meeting on 28th September;

 

2.    What is the current budget for Cwmaman Centre and what is the underspend for 2022/23;

 

3.    Could you give me an update on the upgrading works which needs to be carried out at the centre kitchen;

 

4.    Could I ask the Cabinet Member where are the elderly people in the Amman Valley in their 80s and 90s going to go when they can’t heat their homes this winter when the day centre is closed.”

 

Response by Councillor Jane Tremlett – Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services:-

 

Thank you for your question. As you know, I and officers have met with you in person and on Teams on many occasions pre, during and post   pandemic to discuss this Local matter.

 

Points 1 2 & 3 are specific operational questions which officers are happy to answer in writing through the usual Democratic Services Cllrs. Inquiry route.  As Cabinet Member I see all enquiries and responses and monitor issues raised and am happy to follow up with members should they wish.

 

Point 4 - As a Council we recognise with the cost-of-living crisis, and in particular escalating energy costs, Carmarthenshire residents are concerned about how they can heat their homes during this winter.  The Council is inviting those who wish to spend the day in a warm, friendly and welcoming environment to do so in one of the three main libraries, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Llanelli where people will be able to enjoy refreshments, television, computers and newspapers and where staff will be on hand with advice about the cost of living and how to access potential support.

 

In addition, local communities can apply for funding to provide Warm Welcome spaces in their community halls and meeting places.  New or existing projects can apply.  The Warm Welcome Spaces scheme is funded through the Council’s Poverty Fund.  Applications can be made until 18th November and must be used by March 2023. 

 

Maximum is £10,000 and Minimum is £1,000 and can be used for a number of purposes including development of Community Cafes where residents of all ages can meet and socialise and reduce social isolation; Growing projects, Fuel clubs etc., etc.

 

Supplementary Question by Councillor Kevin Madge.

 

I am afraid that the answer I have had is not acceptable.  In the last September meeting the Cabinet member said that there were 20 clients so I would like it to be recorded in the minutes those questions need to be answered.  It is for the whole of the Amman Valley not just me and my ward. 

 

Are we saying that the Day Centre no longer exists, the question is that a library is more important now to warm up elderly people in the Amman Valley rather than a Day Centre?  Is that now more important, a library?  So elderly people in Garnant now have to go down to Ammanford to warm up in the library before they can go to a Day Centre?  I am outraged at that answer, thank you.

 

Response by Councillor Jane Tremlett – Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services:-

 

I will stick with the answer I gave in the first instance, I have given you the opportunity to know what is available in your area and indeed across the whole of Carmarthenshire to the warm welcome places which will be an essential part of helping people through this very desperate winter.  Thank you.

 

 

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