Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor David Carr had submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services relating to the price of the Telecare Service in Conwy County: The price of the Telecare Service for the elderly, disabled and vulnerable in Conwy, that provided vital lifesaving assistance in an emergency, was set to increase again in April after an extortionate 70% rise only a few months ago last September. It was disappointing that yet again there had been no meaningful consultation and very little notice given to vulnerable people, who were dependent on this lifeline, which for many could make the difference between life and death. After the last price hike, the most vulnerable residents were left paying the highest Telecare costs in Wales. To impose a further increase may be seen as inconsiderate, unsympathetic and very mean spirited. What would you need to know in order to see this issue differently and cancel the increase in the cost of Telecare for the most vulnerable residents? The Cabinet Member provided the following response: The Cabinet Member had been in discussion regarding the whole financial position of Social Care, since her appointment as Cabinet Member and was very clear about the direction of travel to ensure sustainable services and least harm to Conwy’s vulnerable residents. In total, to meet the budgetary challenge, Social Care had 13 areas of budget reductions to deliver in the financial year, one of these areas included the viability of the Telecare Service. This was not in effect a service cut, but a proposal recently agreed at Council, to ensure the service could continue to be offered at a competitive and cost effective rate. In order to do this, an increase in the charge, by a modest 18p per day, which equated to a total of £1.26 per week extra, would be required. Therefore, a total cost of £7.21 per week. Sadly, Conwy was no longer able to subsidise chargeable services owing to the financial challenge as suggested. As a team, this was monitored carefully and where individuals made a case for hardship, a review of the charge, in accordance with the policy took place. Approximately 2000 people used the service, when the charge was increased last year, very little impact was seen and a small number were supported with either a reduced, or no charge. In line with the protocol, Councillor Carr responded and stated the Council’s own report indicated that such an increase would have an adverse impact. Having worked in the sector, Councillor Carr stated that he had experienced how vulnerable people struggled and strongly believed the extra charge would impact on the elderly and/or disabled and should therefore be cancelled. In addition, reference was made to profiting from the vulnerable, limited day care facilities and transport in the County. In response, the Cabinet Member advised that the proposal was recently agreed at Council and the charge was non-profit making. The service was constantly being reviewed and Llys Elian offered day care, together with many other community run venues for the elderly across the County.

The Scrutiny and Committee Services Officer presented the Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan (FWP), together with the combined FWP. Members were advised of the following: • Annual reports in relation to the Corporate Parenting Board and the Strategic Multi-Agency Panel Board were scheduled for the next meeting on 11 April, 2024. • All Members were encouraged to attend the Self-Assessment of Scrutiny on-line session on 14 March, 2024. RESOLVED- That the Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan (FWP), together with the combined FWP be approved.