Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence. The Chair noted that Councillor Kirsty Mellor had stood down as opposition spokesperson for the Portsmouth Community Independents Party with effect from 11 September and thanked her for contribution.

Councillor Heaney questioned the purpose of the meeting as there were only two information items and no decisions to be taken. Members had already had the opportunity to ask questions at the briefing meeting. If decisions were not being taken meetings could be held virtually which might be more convenient and a better use of time. Information for members could be disseminated by the weekly Members' Information Service bulletin. With regard to information for the public the council had numerous ways to keep them updated. He thought the role and purpose of the portfolio's meetings needed to be considered.

Councillor Winnington thought it was important the meetings were held in public so that the people were aware of what the portfolio was doing. Meetings used to be held only for decisions but then months went by with no opportunity for people to know what was happening so the meetings were an appropriate forum. As the Cabinet Member reports were his responsibility and he wanted them presented in a public forum.

There were no declarations of interest.

To update the Portfolio holder and spokespeople of the developments in approaches and support being progressed in Portsmouth Adult Social Care for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

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 Madgwick, as Chair of the Education, Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel, noted that figures for care experienced children and young people in employment were not as good as they might be. Out of about 375 such young people there were about 360 who should be in education, training or work but were not.

Mr Biddle confirmed that where children and young people had needs Adult Social Care (ASC) worked across adults' and children's services. Employment would be one aspect ASC considered when they transitioned to adult services, along with other factors like Education, Health and Care Plans. If ASC was the right agency for them it would help but probably not have if they had no ASC needs

Councillor Madgwick suggested that some of the 375 young people might be autistic. Mr Biddle said that Children's Services would support autistic children but as soon as they were 18 ASC supported them. If they were looked after children then Children's Services would still have some responsibility for them as well as ASC.

At Councillor Winnington's request, Richard Webb, Deputy Director, Finance, gave an idea of the complexities from the financial point of view. Under the Care Act 2014 young adults who are eligible for adult social care services, may be eligible to pay for these services, whereas they would not have been charged for children's services. Individuals would be assessed on a case-by-case basis by a Financial Assessment & Benefits Officer. If applicable, they would also be helped to access benefits.

Councillor Winnington thanked officers for the fantastic Room One facility for autistic and neurodivergent adults at the Charles Dickens Community Centre. Transition from children's to adults' services had been a priority for the current administration and he hoped it would continue for a long time. He really appreciated the work coming to a public forum.

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

To update the Cabinet Member and opposition spokespeople on progress with creating increased Extra Care units in Portsmouth.

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 and explained that a clearer timeframe as to when work would start on providing additional Extra Care housing at the Victory Unit would be available shortly as a result of a meeting the previous week.

Councillor Winnington thanked him for the update and said it was important to have it in public so people could see what was happening. He looked forward to the update from last week's meeting and asked that it be circulated to members.

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