Cabinet Member's and Director's Update (oral)
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Severe Weather Conditions
1) Mr Gibbens supported the Chairman’s comments about KASS staff, as well as partners in the independent sector and the Army with whom they had worked, and were still working, in the continuing severe weather. He asked that his appreciation and thanks be passed to the staff concerned.
2) Mr Mills added that KASS had relied partly on the willingness of communities to look out for and help elderly and vulnerable neighbours with daily support and general care as well as meals to supplement the Community Meals service run by apetito and delivered with the help of the Army. Help had also been given by the 4x4 Users South East Response Service, a group of owners of 4x4 vehicles who offer to help in accessing remote areas.
3) Mr Mills said he had been struck by the resourcefulness of domicilliary care workers and agencies in delivering services. All domicilliary care providers had business continuity plans for such circumstances. The Emergency Planning Unit also had well tested plans and had been resourceful and flexible in giving a first class service, along with the initiative and hard work of in house KASS staff. Use of technology such as telecare and telehealth and the BT MeetMe service had come into their own for maintaining contact with clients and allowing links between managers across the county to co-ordinate support services.
In response to a questions, Mr Mills explained that, although KASS was not formally involved in decisions on which areas should be prioritised for gritting, they would have the chance to give a view as part of a debrief. Miss Highwood added that, in cases where KASS was aware of a particular risk, eg a steep entrance to a care home, it would direct help.
Cow Lane Learning Disability Centre, Canterbury
4) Mr Gibbens confirmed that he had taken the decision to close the centre on the proviso that alternative facilities are put in place first. Consultation and work with users and carers had been going on for two years to prepare for the change. The changes would improve services for clients in Canterbury with Learning Disability needs.
KASS Strategy
5) The KASS Strategy, on which the POSC had commented at its November meeting, would be considered/approved by the full County Council on 1 April.
Queen Elizabeth Foundation Day Centre, Dartford
6) Since the closure of the centre, KASS had run services under the Active Lives Network. It had always been intended that a third sector provider would take on this service provision, and in 2009 the contract had been let via a tendering process to the Inspire Community Trust of Bexley, which would start service delivery on 25 January. This Trust was committed to promoting independent living for clients with LD needs. An update on this issue had been sent to all local KCC Members on 6 January and would be sent to all POSC Members today.
Age Concern Funding
Mrs A D Allen declared a non-pecuniary interest in this ... view the full minutes text for item 39