Agenda item

The Committee considered a report which updated members on the actions agreed during Committee meetings. It was reported that the action log showed details relating to 11 actions requested in previous meetings and of these:-

·         7 had been completed and would be removed from the next action log;

·         4 had yet to reach the agreed action date and were on track (they are either in progress and in time, or are scheduled for completion within the expected time);

·         Further details were provided on two of the longer running issues that had been previous causes of concern for the Committee as follows:-

Business Waste Income Reconciliation – The first Business Waste reconciliation of income due to income charged had now been completed with all accounts checked and accounts raised as appropriate. Internal Audit will continue to monitor this area and report any problems as required to future committees.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) – An update was set out in the table within the report which identified strong progress in dealing with the backlog. A follow up review following the DOLS audit was scheduled for October 2018 Audit Committee which will provide a further update on the backlog position.

Following the introduction of the report, members made the following comments:-

The Chair Councillor Austen White noted the positive progress made in completion of the reconciliation of the Business Waste Income, however, wished that Audit Members be kept informed of any further progress. In relation to DoLS, he acknowledged that this was showing an improved position, but sought clarity with regard to target levels set, who set the targets and whether the Cabinet member responsible was kept informed and gave any input. Damian Allen, Director of People reported that the number of assessments with regard to DoLS was ongoing and varies continually and whilst there was no target set, the Council had procured an external provider to focus on the backlog. He pointed out to Committee that a Rapid Improvement Plan had been developed to manage the surplus as the numbers do fluctuate. Damian also stated that the Cabinet member was aware of the issues through regular Portfolio Holder meetings. However, he stressed that this was a management responsibility.

Councillor Iris Beech sought clarity with regard to the BIA forms and where the hold up on completion lay. Damian Allen reported that resources had been applied to improve the flow of assessments through middle manager level. He also stressed that the service were also aiming to address the matter through the introduction of the Rapid Improvement Plan.

Councillor David Nevett expressed his surprise with regard to the fluctuations in the number of assessments and why there seemed to be such a wide swing. Damian Allen reported that the flow had increased and whilst the external provider was dealing with the backlog, the standing capacity had not been addressed. He suggested that a progress report with regard to this issue be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.

            RESOLVED that:-

            (1)       the progress being made against the actions agreed at the                            previous committee meetings, be noted; and

(2)        the Committee receive a further update  for DoLS at a future             meeting.