Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Services to People.

The report provides an overview of the Supporting People service and some associated functions and teams.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Vincent Fraga on Tel: 4747 4401 or email: vincent.fraga@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Adult Social Care) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the work of the Supporting People service and its associated functions. The Service had recently come within the remit of this Scrutiny Committee following its transfer into the Adult Care Services portfolio.

The report provided commentary on key areas of work and activity, including:-

·         the development of an outcomes focus, working in partnership with other services and agencies to address multiple factors preventing an individual from living independently;

·         Multi Agency Adults at Risk System (MAARS) to share data and target support towards the most vulnerable in the community;

·         housing related support services for older people to maximise independent living;

·         Stockport Local Assistance Scheme to provide support to those in crisis due to welfare and benefit changes.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Referrals to the Supporting People Service (SP) could be done by any agency or by self-referral by an individual through an online form.

·         Challenges for the service relating to welfare reform, particular under-occupancy and sanctions. Work was underway to prepare for the implementation of Universal Credit, including basing workers within the Job Centre.

·         It was important to have honest conversations with service users to make sure they were able to make better choices, to build resilience and to reduce dependency as a means to promote independence.

·         The Care Act would also have implications for housing and independent living and these would be addressed.

·         SP was able to work flexibly to provide innovative solutions and support and worked closely with other agencies and services wherever possible.

·         The MAARS project was a welcomed development.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Service Director (Adult Social Care) be requested to

·         provide a further update to a future meeting on the Multi Agency Adults at Risk System (MAARS);

·         provide further information on the outcomes based commissioning pilot and its impact locally.