Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Adult Services which was presented to provide an update on the outcome of assessments undertaken during 2019, for eligibility to Assisted Transport.

The Head of Adult Services spoke to the report and highlighted the main points contained therein.

Of the 149 assessments undertaken the Chair commented that one person had ceased accessing the Community Options Service and potentially there could be others.  The Head of Adult Services reassured Members that through ongoing communication no other citizens had indicated a wish to cease accessing the Community Options provision.

A Member referred to taxi fares from Trefil and pointed out that mobility vehicles could be withdrawn at any time.  The Head of Adult Services said that taxi fares from Trefil were being looked at.  With regard to mobility vehicles if an individual’s circumstances change then the exceptional circumstances element of the policy would be invoked and the citizens circumstances reviewed.

A Member enquired regarding the operating hours of the vehicles and whether alternative uses could be found when not in operation.  The Service Manager, Provider Services said the vehicle operating hours were 8.00 am to 10.30 am and then started again at 3.00 pm and confirmed that vehicles were parked up in between these hours.  Alternative uses had been looked at but would have cost implications due to increased drivers contracted hours.  The current Community Options budget was not sufficient to cover an increase in drivers contracted hours. 

The Chair commented that the Authority did not have a Corporate Transport Policy, an Executive decision had been made to keep home to school transport and felt that a two tier transport policy was operating with vulnerable people being penalised.

The Head of Adult Services said that the Service had positive feedback regarding the flexible approach to citizens accessing Community Options using own transport and not being reliant on the Local Authority transport runs.  They also confirmed that the relevant equality policies had been considered to ensure people were being treated fairly.

Another Member also raised concerns that the Authority was running a two tier transport policy with regard to home to school transport and commented that the Authority was now in an improved financial position and these transport services should be provided for vulnerable people in the community.

Another Member enquired regarding cost implications for assisted transport.  The Head of Adult Services said the costs of providing assisted transport was approximately £321,000 currently.  She also highlighted the potential inequalities that could happen if the Council decided not to charge for provision for those continuing to use the Local Authority transport when those who had already opted to make own arrangements for transport via taxi’s were paying to attend following their social care review.

A Member pointed out that not many taxi’s could accommodate wheelchair users. 

In response to a Member’s question regarding development of a Corporate Policy for reviewing the leasing costs of vehicles, the Head of Adult Services said that existing vehicle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6