To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Amil.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of the Policy Development and Decision Group held on 19 June, 28 June and 24 July 2017.

The minutes of the Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Commissioning Team) held on 19 June. 28 June and 24 July 2017 were confirmed as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

To approve Torbay’s Annual Youth Justice Plan for 2017/18.

The Director of Children’s Services presented the submitted report which set out the annual plan for the delivery of the Youth Justice Service for Torbay.  It was reported that the Torbay Youth Justice Service was multi-agency team comprising the Police, National Probation Service, health and Local Authority and its work was overseen by a Partnership Board.  The Director of Children’s Services set out a key area for focus in the 2017/18 Plan and it was noted that there were 123 young offenders in Torbay in 2016/17 which is an increase on the previous year’s figure of 107, against a declining population of 10 -17 year olds.  The Youth Offending Service is increasingly working with children characterised by more persistent and serious offending which is reflected within the 2017/18 Plan.

The Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Commissioning Team) made the following recommendations to the Mayor:

That the Youth Justice Plan 2017/18, attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved and that Director of Children’s Services be given delegated authority to make any final changes in consultation with key stakeholders.

The Mayor considered the recommendation of the Policy Development and Decision Group set out above at the meeting and his decision, is attached to these Minutes.

To consider a report on the above.

The Director of Children’s Services presented the submitted report and drew members’ attention to the most recent monitoring letter from Ofsted.  In particular, the most recent monitoring visit looked at the Care Leavers’ services and concluded that improvements in their arrangements had not kept pace with that in other areas.  Ofsted also highlighted concerns at the Council’s wider role as a Corporate Parent.

It was noted a detailed planning and oversight tool had been developed to monitor progress against the recommendations made in their January 2016 report.  The improvement plan remains a dynamic document and was subject to regular review by the Children’s Improvement Board, Children’s Services and Corporate Leadership Teams and Executive Member.  The plan had recently been revised to distinguish between completed and outstanding actions in order to ensure a tight focus.

The Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Commissioning Team) made the following recommendation to the Mayor:

The Joint Commissioning Team Policy Development and Decision Group is asked to note the progress to date as set out in the Improvement Plan (Version 21) and agree to receive updates on a regular basis.

The Mayor considered the recommendations of the Policy Development and Decision Group set out above at the meeting and his decision is attached to these Minutes.

To consider a report on the above.

The Director of Adults Services presented the submitted report and highlighted to members that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) were inspecting up to 20 Council’s focusing on delayed transfers of care from hospital settings.  It was reported at the Torbay was the best performer in the South West and that it was probable we would receive a review to learn from the good practices.  Members noted that the process of the external review may be up to eight weeks.  This would include on-site visits, off-site review of information, questions and clarification and would require significant amount of pre-work.

Resolved: 

That the Care Quality Commission inspection work and Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) that are being applied to Councils be noted.