Agenda item

The Panel considered a report on the draft of the refreshed Slough Joint Wellbeing Strategy that had been developed by the Slough Wellbeing Board and was due to be recommended to Council for approval on 27^th September 2016.  The refresh process had started in January and reflected the input from various workshops and consultations.  The Strategy would be launched at a partnership conference on 22^nd September and it was agreed that the details would be recirculated to Panel Members.

The Panel endorsed the inclusion of housing as a priority in the Strategy and discussed how the links to the health and wellbeing agenda could be taken forward.  The Council was in the process of developing a new Housing Strategy and a number of discussions had already taken place to identify the links to social care and how vulnerable people could be supported.  A Member asked about the actions the Council was taking to ensure new housing developments met the need for adapted housing.  Work was ongoing in this area and further information would be circulated to Members outside of the meeting.  A query was also raised about the timeliness and prioritisation of assessing applications for Disabled Facilities Grants and it was agreed that a briefing note would be circulated setting out how the process worked and the indicative timescales for the varying levels of priority.

The Panel discussed several other issues including the current position regarding the educational performance of looked after children.  The Commissioner for Health & Social Care and Education & Children’s Services said it was planned for Members to receive further briefing on this issue.  At the conclusion of the discussion the refreshed Strategy was noted.

Resolved –

(a)  That the refresh of the Slough Joint Wellbeing Strategy be noted.

(b)  That the arrangements for the Slough Partnership Conference to launch the Strategy on 22nd September be noted, and that the details of the conference be recirculated to Panel Members.

(c)  That the Panel be provided with further information on the work being undertaken to ensure new housing developments included appropriate provision of adapted properties.

(d)  That a briefing note be circulated to the Panel on the process, timescales and prioritisation of assessments to help people adapt their homes through the Disabled Facilities Grants.