Decision details

That Executive Board note that Adults & Health have completed a period of consultation with regard to a new short breaks offer and are asked to consider the outcome of this and agree the recommendations.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report providing details of the outcome of consultation undertaken on short break arrangements, and which sought approval to establish new arrangements to ensure that the Council’s short breaks offer was fair, equitable and gave proper weighting to those with the greatest caring responsibility.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry in respect of consultation, it was highlighted that the intention was to submit a further report to the Board in due course which provided further detail on the number of users which would be affected by the proposals and how they would be affected.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the expansion of the in-house Short Breaks service, so that it can offer short breaks to a greater variety of people and for a wider range of needs;

(b)  That the three tier approach towards having a short break which supports a range of carer needs, be approved;

(c)  That approval be given to the gradual withdrawal of the Outreach Service over time, in order to facilitate resolution (b) above, with it being noted that people’s short breaks will be maintained through alternative arrangements when their sessional worker leaves / retires;

(d)  That further consultation be undertaken on a revised service specification for the Community-based Respite service, including referral pathway and service criteria;

(e)  That it be noted that the Community-based respite service and the Outreach Service are not the only way that people with eligible social care needs may have a break, and that people may choose to have a personal budget in order to arrange a short break that suits them and the cared-for person;

(f)  That it be noted that the Director of Adults and Health is responsible for the implementation of such matters.

Formal 12 week consultation period completed.

All stakeholders including the people who access the service, carers, staff, trade unions and ward members.