Issue - meetings

Cabinet received a report which followed a review of current day opportunities for people with learning and physical disabilities provided by the Council, which had been commissioned to understand if the Council was meeting people’s needs or if services could be offered differently and improved upon.

In the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), signed off by Council in March 2013, it had been agreed that greater emphasis should be placed on supporting adults to maintain their independence for as long as possible, including, where possible, enabling them to stay living in their own homes and for them to play a bigger part in the community in which they lived.

Cabinet had received reports on this subject in December 2013 and then again in March 2014 where it was agreed that future options should be considered in consultation with stakeholders, with a recommendation being brought back to Cabinet for future consideration and implementation. The agreed model of service and the delivery vehicle would subsequently be subject to consultation with stakeholders.

In March 2014, Cabinet had concluded that the current day service model was not compatible with personalisation and did not support individuals to maximise opportunities for independence. Cabinet had therefore requested a proposal which took a number of factors into consideration.

Ms Assunta Genovese, a service user of 49 Lincoln Road addressed Cabinet and provided an overview of the support offered to her and the activities that were available to her. Ms Genovese further advised that she had been part of the day opportunities design group and had looked at how day opportunities were provided in Thurrock. She advised that although Thurrock did well, Peterborough provided a better service.

Councillor Fitzgerald introduced the item and provided an overview of the background to the issue and an overview of the model. Further key points included the continuation of all services, but with some being provided in a slightly different manner; individual care packages being provided for those people with the most need; the challenge to make individuals strive for personal development and to give people more opportunities to be able do so; the investments that would be made in the service and the improvements that investment would make; the move to Kingfisher at the Bretton Centre for those individuals with complex and profound needs; the continuation of Fletton Day Centre for the foreseeable future and the developments that could be made going forward.

Councillor Seaton thanked Ms Genovese for addressing Cabinet and for providing an overview of the service which she utilised, this being 49 Lincoln Road. Councillor Seaton further highlighted all of the services available at 49 Lincoln Road including bills advice, key workers, employment etc. and queried whether all of these services would still be available following implementation of a new model. The Director for Communities responded and advised that all services would still be available with further expansion, particularly in relation to employment through the micro enterprises.

Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED to agree:

1. To an open  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5