URL: https://iow.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=742

Decision Maker: Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing Needs Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Consideration was given to the report which provided an overview of the performance, risk, and budget in the Adult Social Care and Housing Needs directorate. The Strategic Director of Adult Social Care provided the following corrections and updates to the report. The forecast overspend was showing the figure for May instead of June (the correct amount was £1,651,465). The housing needs underspend was also showing the May figure instead of June (the correct amount should be £57,587). In KPI 18 (Finance Position), the figures were not displayed in thousands as intended.   Questions were raised regarding the definitions and reporting of housing need, homelessness, and how rough sleeping was distinguished. It was advised that the number of rough sleepers was based on a single-night snapshot count.   Questions were raised around children placed in bed and breakfast accommodation. It was confirmed that, at the time of reporting, there were no families or children in such accommodation, and if a child were to remain in bed and breakfast for more than six weeks a plan was in place to move the family on as quickly as possible.   Discussion took place regarding the figures and data associated with waiting list times. Concerns were raised around the waiting times of up to 18 months for occupational therapy following the service’s return to council control in late 2023. It was advised that a full audit had been conducted, resulting in a service improvement plan, triaged risk-based prioritisation, close monthly oversight, and a re-audit planned.   Questions were raised regarding the drop in the number of people supported to live independently at home between February and March 2025. It was advised that this was likely due to seasonal factors, as during the colder months more people receive short-term reablement support.   Concerns were raised regarding long stays in temporary accommodation. It was advised that the directorate had responded by expanding its own housing stock, focusing on improving quality, supporting large families, and working with providers to free up underused homes.   Questions were raised regarding the overspend in Adult Social Care. It was confirmed that this was similar to the previous year and was primarily driven by demand and complex cases. Any areas of underspend would be retained to help offset future overspends.   Following discussion, it was proposed and duly seconded, and following a vote it was:   RESOLVED:   THAT the committee notes the operational and financial performance of the Adult Social Care and Housing Needs directorate.

Date of Decision: July 24, 2025