Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lewis Gosling.

Members noted that Councillor Brian Madgwick had stood down from his role as opposition spokesperson for the Portsmouth Independents Party with effect from 27 February.

There were no apologies for absence.

Purpose

To update the Portfolio holder and spokespeople on the Independence and Wellbeing Team (IWT) activity on prevention and reduction of need.

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Andy Biddle, Director of Adult Care, introduced the report.

Councillor Winnington said the Independence & Wellbeing Team (IWT) was a valuable service which worked with different parts of the council, including  Public Health. He knew from his previous employment how important the Community Connectors were. Engaging with volunteers gave them interesting opportunities and helped people re-engage with the workplace. People's wellbeing was holistic and not just about health. He thanked officers for the report and looked forward to the next update.

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Purpose

To update the Portfolio holder and spokespeople of Carers Survey results and activity around the Carers Strategic Plan.

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Andy Biddle, Director of Adult Care, introduced the report, noting that the full Carers' Strategy would be brought forward this year and incorporate carers' feedback from the Carers Count event in November 2022. One of the key objectives was that it would be written in accessible language. Further discussions were taking place about informal caring becoming a protected characteristic and bringing back updates on this would be helpful.

In addition, it was timely that the Housing & Social Care (HSC) Scrutiny Panel have been looking at respite for carers.

In response to questions from members, Mr Biddle said once the Carers' Strategy was complete there would be regular reports on how it was being actioned to show that it was not something that just sat on a shelf. The response report to the HSC scrutiny review, due to be published later in March, would also show actions taken.

Councillor Winnington thanked officers for the report and said carers were the backbone of the city. He had been at the well-attended Carers Count event, both as a councillor and for his job. Having strong priorities is a commitment for the Strategy to work and the Carers' Oversight Group would see that it was done. On behalf of all councillors he thanked the Carers' Service. It was unusual to have a carers' service run directly by a council. Mr Biddle chairs the South East Carers' Network on behalf of the South East branch of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and Clare Rachwal (Deputy Head of Market Development & Community Engagement represented ADASS at the National Carers' Policy Network so the council was closely linked in to carers' groups.

From his work with a carers' group Councillor Winnington noted real differences in provision for those living in Portsmouth and those outside. Portsmouth was above average compared with the rest of the country with the support it provided but could not rest on its laurels. It was important to ensure support was there as even though it was promoted not all carers knew about it and there was nothing worse than being a carer and feeling alone. People may not always think of themselves as carers but they were. Councillor Winnington wanted to put on record his sincere thanks to all carers in Portsmouth as the city would be in a much worse state without them.

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.