Venue: Council Chamber - Neuadd Maldwyn, Welshpool, Powys. View directions
Contact: Shane Thomas tel. 01597 826430 e-mail. shanet@powys.gov.uk
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Apologies To receive apologies for absence. Minutes: Apologies for absence were accepted from Councillors R.I. George, D.J. Mayor, G. Morgan, G.M. Jones and J.G. Shearer. |
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Minutes of Previous Meeting PDF 93 KB To receive the Minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 9th November 2016. Minutes:
The Chairman was authorised to sign the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 9th November 2016 as a correct record. During discussion particular reference was made to the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) having recently decided to name a project Future Fit. Concerns had been expressed because of the potential for confusion given the name would be the same name given to the programme being run by the Shropshire and Telford NHS Trust to re-shape emergency care i.e. the Future Fit Programme. The Chair agreed to pursue the matter with the Chief Executive of PAVO with a view to changing the name of the PAVO project to something other than Future Fit. |
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Declarations of Interest To receive declarations of interest in relation to matters to be discussed on the agenda. Minutes: There were no declarations of interest made in relation to items on the agenda.
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Chairman's Announcements To receive announcements from the Chairman. Minutes: The Chairman reported on:
a. Councillor Frank Torrens (Deceased) – members stood to remember ex-County Councillor Frank Torrens who had been a former shire Chairman b. Welshpool Llanerchyddol (Bi-election) - the Chairman welcomed Councillor Graham Breeze to his first shire meeting having recently been elected to represent Welshpool Llanerchyddol c. Councillor Joy Shearer – members joined the Chair in wishing Councillor Shearer the very best for a speedy recovery to good health d. Christmas Carol Service – the Chair thanked those who had attended her Christmas Carol Service held at Kerry Church. The High Sheriff had read at the ceremony |
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Census Testing (10.15 - 10.45) To discuss matters with Neil Townsend – Office of National Statistics. Minutes: Members welcomed Neil Townsend, Office of National Statistics to the meeting to provide an update in relation to census testing for 2017. During discussion and update particular reference was made to:
a. 2011 Census – the 2011 census had been very successful and local authorities had provided valuable support. There had been attempts to encourage use of technology i.e. digital returns. 16% of those who had completed 2011 census returns had done so on-line b. 2021 Census – the government (Westminster and Wales) had approved the recommendation to have a Census, however, the enabling legislation won't be until 2018/19, the content needs to be agreed first c. 2017 Test - there would be a period of preparatory work leading up to the 2021 census and an initial test with sample groups would be undertaken in 2017. There would be seven UK test areas of 100,000 residents from each. The sample group would be asked to take part in the test. Areas of Montgomeryshire had been identified for inclusion in the test. There would be a focus on digital returns allowing for paper opt outs. Tests would be Welsh language compliant. Those households which had been identified would be contacted from 20th March onwards. The census test date would be 9th April d. Local Authorities – local authorities in each test area would play an important part in supporting activities including helping advise town and community councils e. On-line – a member highlighted the particularly poor broadband/internet access available and how it would be difficult for residents to engage via. on-line test returns f. 2019 – there would be a 2021 census rehearsal in 2019
It was agreed that members should have access to the presentation. Members thanked Neil for his update and for agreeing to keeping them informed. |
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Older Adult Mental Health NHS Services (10.45 - 11.15) To discuss arrangements for future service delivery – Joy Garfitt, Assistant Director for Mental Health Services, Powys teaching Health Board / Councillor Stephen Hayes – Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Adult Social Care Minutes: Members welcomed Joy Garfitt – Assistant Director for Mental Health Services, Powys teaching Health Board and Councillor Mel Davies – Vice-Chair, Powys teaching Health Board to the meeting. During discussion particular reference was made to:
a. Fan Gorau (Closure) – the site is an 8 bed inpatient unit for older adults in Newtown and supports those with mental illness. Since 13th June 2016 the site had been closed for admissions. At the time of closure there were three inpatients and before it closed it would usually care for between 3-6 patients at a time. The site was closed due to staffing shortages which meant it could not operate safely (in particular the need for registered mental health nurses). There had been a range of options considered in order to maintain the facility prior to closure. Despite a recruitment campaign which included advertising vacant positions eleven times appointments had not been made b. Dementia Home Treatment Team - in the light of the above and the need to provide support a dementia home treatment team was established. The team provides intensive support to patients in their own homes or in the settings which they live in and operates between the hours of 7.30 a.m. and 8.30 p.m. seven days a week. The arrangement has proven very positive. Since operating the team had supported 53 patients which is more than would have been supported at the Fan Gorau site. Staff, patients and carers had all praised this way of operating c. Fan Gorau (Re-opening) – it is hoped that the site would re-open soon, however, it would depend on being able to recruit to positions. The DHTT model of care had been a success and could shape the future of dementia support d. Hospital Admissions – where hospital admission was needed it would always be the preference to admit within the Powys border which could, in some cases, mean admission to Ystradgynlais. The need to admit close to home would always be recognised and considered. Where admissions are distances away there would be support offered to families and close relatives i.e. contributions towards travel and overnight stay costs etc. At this point in time the Powys teaching Health Board would not use Betsy Cadwallader for admissions because of it being in special measures. The position would remain under review e. Member Engagement/Input – Powys teaching Health Board would welcome member input and engagement with regard to the siting and operation of its services. Attending today to update and discuss matters should re-assure members that their input is important f. Specialist Positions – it’s accepted that there are difficulties on a national level in terms of recruiting to specialised nursing/caring positions i.e. mental health/dementia. It was noted that during the period 2009-15 mental health services had been accessed from Betsy Cadwallader Health Board g. Welsh/English Care Contributions (Capped Charges) – it is recognised that the difference of position with regard to the capping of financial care contributions is more visible at border ... view the full minutes text for item MS6-2017 |
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Reports from and Questions to Cabinet Portfolio Holders (11.15 - 12 noon) To receive reports from, and to put questions to, Cabinet Portfolio Holders:
a. Councillor Graham Brown, Deputy Leader/Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Children’s Services / Commissioning and Procurement b. Councillor Rosemarie Harris, Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Property, Buildings, Housing, Customer Services and Catering and Cleaning
Minutes: Members welcomed the opportunity to receive reports from, and to put questions to, Cabinet Portfolio Holders. During discussion particular reference was made to:
a. Councillor Graham Brown, Deputy Leader/Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Children’s Services/Commissioning and Procurement
i. Commercial Services – the Commercial Services Team continues to support services in reviewing spends and delivering on the commissioning and procurement approach. In this regard the team has supported delivering on savings running into the millions ii. Leisure and Recreation – Cabinet had agreed to use additional funding provided by the Welsh Government to retain the Staylittle Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Caereinion Leisure Centre and Knighton Leisure Centre for a further 12 mths so that further work could be undertaken to review the operation of each site. A member expressed concern with regard to the different approach in relation to Knighton i.e. it had been agreed that Knighton should be supported for the longer term whilst the funding for Caereinion and Staylittle was different in Knighton because it had a pool. Options for Staylittle include a commercial proposals and options for Caereinion include an asset transfer (both were being progressed) iii. Children’s Services – Amanda Lewis had recently left the Authority, Amanda held the position of Strategic Director: People which included Director of Social Services. In the light of the position Carol Shillabeer, Director of the Health Board had assumed the role of Director of Social Services and Phil Hodgson had been appointed Head of Operations for Social Services. The arrangement was cost neutral. There had been recent changes with a view to strengthening arrangements for supporting children which included a move to locality based services (multi-agency teams). The position would be monitored and there are significant benefits to be achieved through working locally and across agencies (there are four locality teams operating in Powys). Accepting that there could be a draw on the budget at any time to meet areas of need the budget position looks likely to be positive and that the yearend spend will be within budget iv. Fostering Services – support for foster carers had been strengthened in a bid to provide a better service for those operating within Powys. It’s very important to provide a strong support network in order to build provision and reduce the use of agencies v. Respite (Camlais/Bannau – Brecon) – spare capacity at both sites would be made available for purchase and could become a lucrative income stream
b. Councillor Rosemarie Harris, Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Property, Housing, Catering and Cleaning, Armed Forces, Business and Customer Services and Standards/Monitoring Officer
i. Property – officers are continuing to consider options for the property portfolio which includes sale, investment, leasing etc. Local members would be engaged in relation to considerations for their areas ii. StAMP (Strategic Asset Management Plan) – members had been invited to attend StAMP meetings to discuss options for the management/treatment of properties/assets. Members were urged to attend meetings to input iii. Agile Working – the programme would be progressed in order ... view the full minutes text for item MS7-2017 |
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Reports from and Questions to Members Serving on Outside Bodies To receive reports from, and put questions to, members serving on outside bodies:
a. To appoint to Powysland Trustee position b. To confirm non-Council representation on the Community Health Council (Montgomeryshire)
Minutes: Members welcomed the opportunity to receive reports from, and to put questions to, members serving on outside bodies.
a. To appoint to a Powysland Trustee Position – Councillor Graham Breeze accepted the nomination to serve as a Powysland Trustee to represent the shire b. To confirm non-Council representation on the Community Health Council (Montgomeryshire) – members agreed to accept the nomination of the Chairman and to appoint Ruth Weston to a vacant position on the CHC. The clerk would link with both Ruth and the CHC in this regard
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Correspondence To receive items of correspondence. Minutes: There were no items of correspondence.
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Road Safety and Traffic Management Schemes PDF 75 KB To consider a permanent 18 tonne amenity weight limit Criggion Lane, Trewern – C2039 and C2040 report – Chris Lloyd, Area Traffic Engineer Additional documents:
Minutes: Members welcomed Chris Lloyd, Area Traffic Officer to the meeting for this item of business.
a. 18 Tonne Amenity Weight Limit – Criggion Lane, Trewern (C2039 and C2040)
Having considered the report, and debated a request from Bausley with Criggion Community Council to modify the proposed order to introduce the 18 tonne amenity weight limit with an exemption for all agricultural vehicles, it was RESOLVED that the 18 tonne amenity weigh limit Traffic Regulation Order be made as originally proposed.
The local member for Trewern requested that highway officers endeavour to have the 18 tonne amenity weight limit made and implemented at the earliest opportunity.
While discussing matters, the local members for Llanfair Caereinion and Machynlleth requested an update in relation to progress towards implementing the Welsh Government funded 20mph speed restrictions on the approaches to the Llanfair Caereinion and Machynlleth Primary School sites. It was noted that speed restrictions at other qualifying sites had been imposed.
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Date of Next Meeting To note the date of the next meeting – 8th March 2017. Minutes: The next meeting would be held on Wednesday 8th March 2017 and would include updates in relation to local policing and the Newtown bypass.
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