Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - County Hall, Llandrindod Wells

Contact: Stephen Boyd  01597 826374

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

To receive apologies for absence.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from County Councillors M Barnes, S Davies, E Durrant,  H Hulme, E Jones, D Jones-Poston, P Lewis, M Mackenzie, C Mills, G Morgan, D Price, P Pritchard, L Skilton, J Wilkinson, J Williams, R Williams and S Williams.

 

2.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 775 KB

To authorise the Chair to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23rd January 2020 as a correct record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23rd January 2020 as a correct record.

3.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of interest from Members relating to items to be considered on the agenda.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interested reported.

4.

Chair's Announcements

To receive any announcements from the Chair of Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair thanked Dragontree for providing the floral display in the planters at the entrance to County Hall. She had provided Members with details of her engagements by email but she did highlight the award of a Silver Kite to Cynthia Davies for her work in helping Ystradgynlais win the Wales in Bloom  award. She had also attended Brecon and Radnor YFCs drama finals. The Chair was pleased to present Julie Davies and Helen Dolman with certificates for their work in helping the Council to achieve national accreditation for cyber security and information governance.

5.

Leader's Announcements

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader advised she had attended an event with Business Wales in Caerberis. She noted the opening of Brecon High School which with the opening of Y Gaer took investment in the town to £35 million. Further school investments were planned with the submission of a strategic outline case for the replacement of Ysgol Cedewain in Newtown and the replacement school in Machynlleth. Work had started on a £5 million social housing scheme in Brecon and further projects were planned to help deliver 380 affordable homes by 2025. The Leader thanked Jayne Bevan and her team for the successful Careers Festival held at the Royal Welsh Showground the previous day. She advised that the Cabinet would be meeting Herefordshire Cabinet at the end of the month to discuss matters of mutual interest. Finally she advised that a Member development day would be organised to consider the Council’s response to climate change and that together with the county’s two MPs a day to showcase Powys businesses at Westminster.

6.

Chief Executive's Briefing

To receive a briefing from the Chief Executive.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chief Executive advised that two advice sessions had been arranged for businesses affected by flooding in Crickhowell on 10th March and in Builth Wells on 12th March. Officers of the Council, together with officials from Business Wales, the Development Bank for Wales and Welsh Government would be in attendance.

 

The Chief Executive updated Members on the Council’s response to coronavirus. Significant preparations were being made in case of an outbreak at local level. The council was working closely with Public Health Wales who was leading the responses and with Powys Teaching Health Board.

 

7.

Public Questions

Additional documents:

7.1

Question to the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Countryside and Transport from Kate Jones pdf icon PDF 334 KB

I want to ask what is Powys County Council doing in order to address the current climate emergency our planet is suffering? 

 

For example:

 

In terms of recycling - where does it end up?? Is it all actually recycled

 

General waste - how is landfill coping??

 

Renewable energy - Is Powys investing in windfarms, hydro schemes (we get enough rainfall!), ground source heat pumps etc... 

 

Are all new builds given specific eco standards so they are carbon neutral? 

 

Why are our supermarkets in Powys STILL using SO MUCH single use plastic??? 

 

Why do we only have a handful of 'refill' shops?? Every supermarket should give us the option to refill our shampoo, hand soap, washing liquid, washing powder, dishwasher powder, pasta, rice, coffee etc. (thus reducing plastic) 

 

Come on Powys our lush green county should be leading the way on climate change for the rest of Wales and the rest of the UK. 

 

Please invest more in the forestry industry. We need more trees planted to absorb more CO2 and to emit more oxygen. Powys has the surface area. Let's get planting it. 

 

Are you going to make sure that climate change and environmental science becomes a key topic in our education system from pre-school to university?  

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

I want to ask what is Powys County Council doing in order to address the current climate emergency our planet is suffering?  

 

For example: 

 

In terms of recycling - where does it end up?? Is it all actually recycled?  

 

Information is provided on our website detailing where all the material we collect is taken and how it is recycled.  Apart from a very small percentage that may be rejected during the process, all collected materials are recycled.  This is verified through the reporting process to NRW.

 

General waste - how is landfill coping??

 

Whilst some of our residual waste does still go to landfill we are now diverting significant amounts to Energy from Waste facilities.  This not only means that energy is generated from this waste, but also means that even more material can be extracted for recycling and the bottom ash used in the building industry.

 

 

Renewable energy - Is Powys investing in windfarms, hydro schemes (we get enough rainfall!), ground source heat pumps etc...  

 

Mid Wales Growth Deal

The region has been given the opportunity to negotiate a Growth Deal for Mid Wales with UK and Welsh Governments. Working in partnership, Powys County Council, Ceredigion County Council & the Growing Mid Wales Partnership have undertaken a significant programme of work to date. Efforts have focussed on gathering, testing and refining evidence and data whilst building strong co-ordination and support from a wide range of stakeholders, across political, institutional and sectoral interests through engagement workshops and consultations. Activity will support the region in creating a strong case for investment through a Mid Wales Growth Deal but also support the identification of strategic economic priorities that will enact sustainable change in the Mid Wales economy. It is important that we develop the Growth Deal and our ways of working to be able to respond flexibly to a changing economic, policy and funding landscape. Global challenges, leaving the EU and political shifts will all require us to be flexible.

A key area of focus for the Mid Wales region is Energy (Low Carbon, Hydrogen and Circular Economy) this is reflected in the emerging vision and strategic economic plan for the Growing Mid Wales Partnership but is also a key theme for the emerging Mid Wales Growth Deal.

The UK has committed to legally binding targets of a reduction in carbon emissions of 80% by 2050. Welsh Government has said that it wants to go further and reach net zero by 2050. Mid Wales is abundant in the natural resources that, if harnessed properly, can help both governments achieve their targets. The awareness and impacts of climate change are becoming more prevalent forcing global, national and local priorities to rapidly work towards a decarbonised future. The need for systematic change in the way we view, produce and consume energy in the region is key and can provide opportunities for economic growth, supporting our key sectoral strengths such as high value manufacturing, Agriculture, tourism & transport as well as supporting our communities and future generations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.1

7.2

Question to the Portfolio Holder for Environment from Ann Rooney Evans pdf icon PDF 105 KB

What will the Council do to initiate and support a trial at the recycling centres of allowing residents to take for re-use, any items that are useful, rather than see them thrown away for recycling or landfill; thus supporting the hierarchy of Reduce, Re-use, Recycle?

This would be a valuable step towards a circular economy, it would help to normalise the practice of offering things for re-use rather than throwing them away.  I am shocked and dismayed by the perfectly good stuff that is thrown away, and that could be re-used.  The staff at the recycling centre must be very frustrated by it too.  You could ask for donations for items taken (voluntary).  There are similar schemes running elsewhere that have overcome any perceived challenges around health and safety, or staff training.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

What will the Council do to initiate and support a trial at the recycling centres of allowing residents to take for re-use, any items that are useful, rather than see them thrown away for recycling or landfill; thus supporting the hierarchy of Reduce, Re-use, Recycle? 

  

This would be a valuable step towards a circular economy, it would help to normalise the practice of offering things for re-use rather than throwing them away.  I am shocked and dismayed by the perfectly good stuff that is thrown away, and that could be re-used.  The staff at the recycling centre must be very frustrated by it too.  You could ask for donations for items taken (voluntary).  There are similar schemes running elsewhere that have overcome any perceived challenges around health and safety, or staff training. 

 

Response

Our Household Waste Recycling Centres are currently operated under contract with the contractor currently entering into such a trial for re-use at the new site at Newtown with a local community group.  A purpose built shed has been put in place at this site for this purpose.

 

Space is a limiting factor at many of our sites as re-use shops are popular with the public, which can result in congestion at the facilities.  Other options are to take the material for re-use off site and this is what happens at our site at Lower Cwmtwrch.

 

There is a re-use area at Welshpool with income generated being donated to local communities.

 

The supplementary question was

When will the results of the trail at Newtown be known and published, and plans made up for implementing them, or another solution at other sites, such as Brecon?  And what are the criteria for judging success? The response to my question sounded as if increased traffic due to demand was a problem - I hope that a more entrepreneurial approach will be taken to see this an opportunity, not a problem!  And please will the Council (through the site operators) put up posters and info on the website, linking to the charity shops and re-use websites that are available - in order to cut down the amount coming to recycling sites. I would like to see the Council do more on REDUCE and REUSE - before recycle.

 

The Leader advised that the Portfolio Holder was away but that a written response would be sent.

 

7.3

Question to the Portfolio Holder for Environment from Wendy Joss pdf icon PDF 219 KB

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week that a ban on fossil fuel cars would be brought forward to 2035, five years earlier than initially expected.

 

How are PCC intending on delivering the ability of its occupants and its tourists to have frequent and reliable charging points so as to invest in new Electric Vehicles in time for 2035?

 

There are only 1.8 public charging points per 100000 in Wales.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week that a ban on fossil fuel cars would be brought forward to 2035, five years earlier than initially expected. 

 

How are PCC intending on delivering the ability of its occupants and its tourists to have frequent and reliable charging points so as to invest in new Electric Vehicles in time for 2035?  

 

There are only 1.8 public charging points per 100000 in Wales. 

 

 

 

 

Response

A number of fast electric vehicle charging points will be installed in several council owned long stay car parks across the county following a successful bid for funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and Powys CC funding.

The funding was awarded under a criteria which would enable charging points to be installed in areas, which could benefit residents who do not have a drive or garage, and park their electric vehicle on their street.  Chargers will also be open to the public or visitor use.

The funding given will allow Powys to install charging points in 8 of our car parks.  It signals the start of our Phase I programme which will see us begin to build up a network of charging points across the county and we'll be looking to lever in more funding to increase our provision going forward.

 

The charging points will ensure that both local residents and tourists with electric vehicles can access charging points at various locations throughout the county.

The nine car parks chosen for the Phase I installation are:

·         High Street Car Park, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6BG

·         The Groe Car Park, Builth Wells, LD2 3BL

·         Mount Street Car Park, Llanidloes, SY18 6BZ

·         Maengwyn Street Car Park, Machynlleth, SY20 8DY

·         Back Lane Car Park, Newtown, SY16 2NH

·         Church Street Car Park, Welshpool, SY21 7DD

·         Hereford Street Car Park, Presteigne, LD8 2AT

·         The Watton Car Park, Brecon, LD3 7ED

 

This is part of a longer term aspiration to create a network of EV charging points across the county, provided by a range of parties such as County Council, Welsh Government (rapid chargers) and Private sector.

We are currently seeking grant funding from Welsh Government for completion of phase 1 to install charging points in the following locations

Rhayader – Dark Lane Car Park

Knighton – Bowling Green Lane Car Park

Ystradgynlais – Heol Eglwys Car Park

Hay-on-Wye – Oxford Street Car Park

Further phases are yet to be developed and are subject to wider National plans and funding

 

The supplementary question was

My question was in response to the new UK policy and time line. The committed 8 charging points throughout Powys were based on an old time line.  Originally the Government  set targets to ensure that almost every car and van in the UK is a zero emission vehicle by 2050, and to make the UK a world leader in EV and battery technologies. Whereas now it’s 2035.

 

This is an ambitious target and the requirement for a big increase in charging points availability will be essential. How do Powys  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.3

8.

Council Tax Resolution for 2020/21

To approve the Council Tax resolution and set the Council Tax for 2020/2021.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered the Council Tax resolution for 2020/21.

 

The budget for 2020/21 was agreed at Council on 28thFebruary 2020 and an increase of 4.8% in Council Tax for the financial year 2020-21 was approved by Council as part of the budget.

 

At a meeting of the Cabinet on the 27th November 2019, the Council calculated the following Tax Base amounts for the year 2020/21 in accordance with Regulations made under Section 33 (5) of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.

 

(a)       Being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995, as amended, as its Council Tax Base for the year 2020/2021.

 

            (b)       Part of the Council's area community of:

 

Community of:

 

COMMUNITY

Tax Base 2020-21

Abbeycwmhir

127.49

Aberedw

140.84

Aberhafesp

223.97

Abermule with Llandyssil

736.31

Banwy

321.85

Bausley with Criggion

366.90

Beguildy

379.26

Berriew

753.24

Betws Cedewain

229.46

Brecon

3510.52

Bronllys

435.38

Builth Wells

1073.60

Cadfarch

451.23

Caersws

712.07

Carno

357.14

Carreghofa

316.57

Castle Caereinion

305.31

Churchstoke

864.58

Cilmery

237.53

Clyro

420.93

Cray

132.27

Crickhowell

1135.60

Cwmdu and District

555.79

Disserth & Trecoed

554.40

Duhonw

151.61

Dwyrhiw

280.49

Erwood

254.26

Felinfach

379.16

Forden

803.59

Gladestry

228.46

Glantwymyn

651.48

Glasbury

571.24

Glascwm

268.53

Glyn Tarrell

301.12

Guilsfield

854.02

Gwernyfed

483.92

Hay-on-Wye

905.85

Honddu Isaf

222.68

Kerry

992.37

Knighton

1321.10

Llanafanfawr

235.63

Llanbadarn Fawr

352.05

Llanbadarn Fynydd

142.73

Llanbister

190.78

Llanbrynmair

499.47

Llanddew

120.62

Llanddewi Ystradenny

144.92

Llandinam

443.75

Llandrindod Wells

2388.72

Llandrinio & Arddleen

723.75

Llandysilio

549.91

Llanelwedd

188.69

Llanerfyl

216.39

LLanfair Caereinion

795.41

Llanfechain

272.80

Llanfihangel

273.01

Llanfihangel Rhydithon

118.12

Llanfrynach

327.94

Llanfyllin

711.58

Llangammarch

264.23

Llangattock

564.56

Llangedwyn

196.06

Llangorse

564.76

Llangunllo

201.14

Llangurig

379.76

Llangynidr

585.49

Llangyniew

308.99

Llangynog

198.95

Llanidloes

1195.81

Llanidloes Without

310.78

Llanigon

282.28

Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant

593.57

Llansantffraid

719.35

Llansilin

366.60

Llanwddyn

125.80

Llanwrthwl

110.44

Llanwrtyd Wells

396.32

Llanyre

583.11

Llywel

257.55

Machynlleth

871.06

Maescar

471.42

Manafon

181.81

Meifod

708.39

Merthyr Cynog

140.54

Mochdre with Penstrowed

254.07

Montgomery

723.44

Nantmel

350.06

New Radnor

234.93

Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn

4342.55

Old Radnor

406.28

Painscastle

284.58

Pen Y Bont Fawr

252.08

Penybont & Llandegley

206.62

Presteigne & Norton

1288.20

Rhayader

910.54

St Harmon

317.46

Talgarth

741.49

Talybont-on-Usk

400.70

Tawe Uchaf

571.24

Trallong

196.26

Trefeglwys

470.97

Treflys

239.32

Tregynon

390.13

Trewern

654.37

Vale of Grwyney

499.22

Welshpool

2687.35

Whitton

211.10

Yscir

258.06

Ystradfelte

254.96

Ystradgynlais

2963.56

 

                                                              62,396:70

 

           

being the amounts calculated by the Council in accordance with the Regulations, as the amounts of its Council Tax Base for the year 2020/2021 for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. Appendix One confirms the 2020/21 precept and band D charge for each Town and Community Council.

 

3.0   THE CALCULATION

 

3.1.   THAT the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2020/2021 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992:

      

a)      £470,559,254                        being the aggregate of the amounts                                                                 which the Council estimates for the items                                                         set out in Section 32 (2)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

2020/2021 Annual Review of Vision 2025 Our Corporate Improvement Plan, including our Strategic Equality Objectives 2020-2024 pdf icon PDF 143 KB

To receive and consider the 2020 update of Vision 2025 Our Corporate Improvement Plan.    

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered an update of Vision 2025: Our Corporate Improvement Plan (CIP). The updated CIP was the result of an in-depth review of the current activities and performance measures. The CIP 2020 Update also included a set of proposed new Equality Objectives for implementation from April 2020 onwards.   

 

The Corporate Director Transformation confirmed that the public could use their preferred method of contacting the Council whether it be digital, face to face or by phone. She advised that an easy to read version of the document was being produced and she gave a commitment to bringing back infographics on peoples experience of interacting with the Council over the next 12 months. In response to a question about partnership working on engaging with hard to reach groups she also advised that the Council was working closely with Powys Teaching Health Board on communications and engagement. The Council worked with other public sector organisations through the Public Service Board and funding was being sought from Welsh Government for a communications and engagement officer for the PSB.

 

In response to a point made about cuts being made to the arts and culture budget, the Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture acknowledged the role of arts and culture in the health and wellbeing agenda and advised that PTHB had just recruited an officer for the arts. She would be bringing together partners from the PTHB and voluntary sector to look at the opportunities for commissioning arts and culture.

 

In response to a question on what the council was doing to close the disability and gender pay gap Members were advised that the mean gender pay gap had reduced from 9.9% to 8.25% in the last 12 months. The Council had to ensure it was doing everything it could in its recruitment and retention processes to support women and people with disabilities.  All managers were required to undertake safer recruitment training.

 

In response to a point that the report didn’t include anything about any targets that hadn’t been achieved, the Leader said that she was happy to include a section in her foreword and the Corporate Director Transformation explained that this would be set out in more detail in the annual report published in July.

 

It was moved by the Leader and seconded by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Countryside and Transport and by 51 votes to 0 it was

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    That the 2020 Update of Vision 2025: Our CIP (as outlined in Appendix A) is approved for publication, with implementation from April 2020.

 

2.    That the six new Equality Objectives including their supporting activities and measures (outlined in Appendix A), are approved for publication in the CIP Update 2020, with implementation from April 2020.

 

3.    That the timeframe of the CIP is extended from 2023 to 2025 to align with Vision 2025.

 

 

 

10.

Pay Policy Statement pdf icon PDF 295 KB

To consider the Pay Policy Statement for 2020/2021.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Monitoring Officer advised that all officers had an interest but he sought a dispensation from Council for the Professional Lead – Employment Services, the IT Support Officers and the translator to remain to assist with the running of the meeting. It was moved by the Vice Chair and seconded by the Assistant Vice Chair and

 

RESOLVED to give dispensation for the Professional Lead –Employment Services, the IT Support Officers and the translator to remain to assist with the running of the meeting.

 

All other officers left the meeting.

 

Council considered the Pay Policy Statement for 2020-21. Officers explained that the Council employed a number of staff on relief rather than zero hours contracts and undertook to let Members have numbers of staff involved. The Portfolio Holder for Finance agreed to look at the possibility opting out of the NJC for Heads of Service so that pay was linked to delivering on the Council’s objectives.

 

It was moved by the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Countryside and Transport and seconded by County Councillor James Evans and by 46 votes to 0 with 3 abstentions it was

 

                        RESOLVED to approve the pay policy statement to ensure compliance with section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011.

 

 

 

11.

Notice of Motion

In view of the fact that Powys County Council paid nearly £4m in the use of gagging orders; otherwise technically known as compromise or settlement agreements; from 2005 to 2019; with 105 non-disclosure agreements; Council calls for all such agreements and payments over 5k to be approved by a Cabinet member with a quarterly update report presented to the Audit Committee, therefore ensuring openness and transparency.

 

Proposed by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan

Seconded by County Councillor Bryn Davies

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council debated the notice of motion moved by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Bryn Davies

 

“In view of the fact that Powys County Council paid nearly £4m in the use of gagging orders; otherwise technically known as compromise or settlement agreements; from 2005 to 2019; with 105 non-disclosure agreements; Council calls for all such agreements and payments over 5k to be approved by a Cabinet member with a quarterly update report presented to the Audit Committee, therefore ensuring openness and transparency.”

 

In moving the motion County Councillor Vaughan argued that there needed to be more accountability and transparency and that the culture of the Council needed to change.

 

County Councillor Amanda Jenner moved an amendment. Council adjourned at 12.09 and reconvened at 12.23. The proposer and seconder of the motion indicated that they were content to support Councillor Jenner’s amendment:

 

“Council calls for the numbers of settlement agreements and NDAs entered into as well as anonymised examples of settlement agreements and NDAs, to be brought to Audit Committee on an annual basis for a review of their terms, with a view to a further report and recommendations being presented to Cabinet and Council should it be deemed necessary.”

 

The amendment was moved by County Councillor Jenner and seconded by County Councillor Michael Williams and by 46 votes to 0 it was

 

RESOLVED that Council calls for the numbers of settlement agreements and NDAs entered into as well as anonymised examples of settlement agreements and NDAs, to be brought to Audit Committee on an annual basis for a review of their terms, with a view to a further report and recommendations being presented to Cabinet and Council should it be deemed necessary.

 

12.

Questions in Accordance with the Constitution pdf icon PDF 432 KB

Additional documents:

12.1

Question to the Portfolio Holder for Environment from County Councillor David Selby

Can the Portfolio Holder confirm that the former main road through Newtown (A483) has now been officially de-trunked, and therefore confirm what works are now planned on Llanidloes Road to improve the road surface and safety for pedestrians and cyclists?

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Can the Portfolio Holder confirm that the former main road through Newtown (A483) has now been officially de-trunked, and therefore confirm what works are now planned on Llanidloes Road to improve the road surface and safety for pedestrians and cyclists?

 

Response

Although the 14th February 2020 is the elected date for officially transferring the responsibility of the sections of trunk roads now superseded by the new Newtown bypass, the formal process has yet to be completed.

We anticipate that Welsh Government will complete the formalities very soon, and then in turn we can set out our maintenance and repair plans. Until such a time, we have no mechanism to undertake the substantial works anticipated.

 

As the Portfolio Holder was not present, County Councillor Selby indicated he would submit his supplementary question under the questions to Portfolio Holders at any time scheme.

 

12.2

Question to the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance and Engagement from County Councillor Gwilym Williams

Can the Cabinet member inform myself and other members, giving total numbers how many non-disclosure agreements, N. D. A.  have Powys Council done in the last two years  to current date, including financial cost, could each year be listed separately? Can the total financial cost for N D A be given for each year?

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Can the Cabinet member inform myself and other members, giving total numbers how many non-disclosure agreements, N. D. A.  have Powys Council done in the last two years  to current date, including financial cost, could each year be separately? Can the total financial cost for N D A be given for each year?

 

Response

February 2018 to February 2019 – 7 Settlement Agreements. Total Cost (including statutory costs) £ 336, 037.07 

February 2019 to February 2020 – 3 Settlement Agreements. Total Cost (including statutory costs) £ 71,170.98

 

For the record, these agreements, called Settlement Agreements are standard and the Employee MUST obtain legal advice before concluding the agreement. They are also approved by the Head of Service, Head of Workforce and Legal Services before entered into.

 

They are not called non-disclosure settlements but they do include a confidentiality clause  which places a mutual obligation on both parties (employer and employee) about the agreement and its terms remaining confidential to the parties involved and prevents parties from making any derogatory comments about each other.   ACAS and Unions approve the use of these agreements, which are standard in England and Wales, both in public and private practice.

 

In response to Councillor Williams’ supplementary question, the Portfolio Holder advised that there were no redundancy costs associated with these cases.

12.3

Question to the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care from County Councillor Francesca Jump pdf icon PDF 127 KB

We will all be aware of the recent reports in the press in relation to the difficulties experienced in some parts of Powys in resourcing domiciliary care for people who have care and support needs.  Can the Portfolio Holder for ASC inform Council what the current position is in relation to people waiting for services; how many people are currently waiting for domiciliary care without support? What is the average wait for a domiciliary care and what is the longest wait? In addition, can the Portfolio holder advise Council what is being done to address this?

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

We will all be aware of the recent reports in the press in relation to the difficulties experienced in some parts of Powys in resourcing domiciliary care for people who have care and support needs.  Can the Portfolio Holder for ASC inform Council what the current position is in relation to people waiting for services; how many people are currently waiting for domiciliary care without support? What is the average wait for a domiciliary care and what is the longest wait? In addition, can the Portfolio holder advise Council what is being done to address this?

 

Response

As all Councillors, and especially as the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, I am concerned about the difficulties we are having in providing domiciliary care for individuals within Powys.  The service works hard to ensure that individuals who need care are supported appropriately. 

 

As at 1st February 2020, Powys County Council provides/commissions 12,285 hours of domiciliary care per week to 749 individuals across the county. This is made up of direct domiciliary care provision, commissioned domiciliary care services, 24/7 care at home services and sitting services.  As of the 1st February 2020, the in-house domiciliary care service delivered 1418 hours of care and support per week, which equates to 14.01% of the market. The remaining 85.99% is delivered by private and charitable organisations.  

 

There are also 490 individuals who receive direct payments to purchase care every week, along with people who receive care and support through their extra care living arrangements. 

 

For a variety of reasons, including the failure of the domiciliary care commissioning of 2014, the Council's financial pressures, and the demographic pressures impacting on recruitment, provision of domiciliary care in Powys is challenging.

 

Significant work is being undertaken to manage the demand for domiciliary care; to provide support from other sources and to meet demand differently; as well as to increase capacity.  

 

At the time of writing the number of individuals awaiting care with no current provision is 35 (403 hours per week).  This was 40 individuals in September 2019.  Of the current 35 individuals, seven of them have either refused offers of care for a variety of reasons, or have decided that other care provision would be more suitable to meet their needs.  Of those who have been waiting and have not received any offers of care, there is one individual who has been waiting 169 days.  This is exceptional, however, with this individual being one of two who have been waiting for longer than 100 days without an offer of care provision.

 

The average time for providers to provide care from brokerage start in Quarter 3 of 2018/19 was 28 days. In Quarter 3 of 2019/20 it was 33 days.  This demonstrates the challenges in procuring care and reflects the rural challenges also felt by neighbouring authorities.

Work already undertaken is showing some signs of success.  The total number of individuals in receipt of domiciliary care has reduced and the number of hours provided has also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.3

13.

Urgent Motion

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair advised that she was allowing the following urgent motion proposed by County Councillor Pete Roberts and seconded by County Councillor James Gibson-Watt:

 

1.         That Rule 4.27 of the Constitution be suspended for an initial period of 6 months to allow remote attendance  at meetings by Members if so required  due to  issues arising from the Covid 19 virus.

 

2.         That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chair or Council and/or Chairs of Committees, (as appropriate) determine whether or not  a remote attendance meeting is appropriate.

 

3.        The Chair of Council shall determine if the suspension should be extended  beyond the initial 6 month period.

 

Councillor Roberts explained that this would enable the business of Council to continue by means of Skype or Teams.

 

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services advised that current Welsh Government regulations put restrictions on remote attendance. He was hopeful that given the current situation they would bring forward amended regulations allowing remote attendance.  He did indicate that remote attendance for a regulatory committee such as Planning would be difficult.

 

By 45 votes to 0 it was

 

                        RESOLVED

 

1.         That Rule 4.27 of the Constitution be suspended for an initial period of 6 months to allow remote attendance  at meetings by Members if so required  due to  issues arising from the Covid 19 virus.

 

2.         That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chair or Council and/or Chairs of Committees, (as appropriate) determine whether or not  a remote attendance meeting is appropriate.

 

3.        The Chair of Council shall determine if the suspension should be extended  beyond the initial 6 month period.

 

                               

 

14.

Statement by the Cabinet

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Housing and Regulatory Services made a statement on the Council’s response to climate change. He advised that the Cabinet had commissioned a review of the Council’s strategies and policies in this area and would report back to Council in the near future. The Leader intended to form a cross party working group and round table discussions would be arranged with the WLGA, farming unions and environmental groups.