A report providing information to the Committee on the performance of Adult Social Care in Reading for 2020-21 and to consider the associated Action Plan.

The Director of Adult Social Care and Health Services presented a report providing an overview of performance of Adult Social Care in Reading for 2020-21 against similar councils and an action plan to address two key areas of development.

The Assistant Director for Safeguarding, Quality, Performance and Practice, Jo Lappin provided a presentation on the report.  The key areas were based on performance against the national Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) and measured against the Corporate Plan, services plans and directorate plans.  It was noted that the objective was to support people in their own homes with help they need to retain independence.

The following main points were noted:

• It had been an unusual year during the pandemic and some plans had been changed in response to priorities.
• There had been an increase in the number of people who received reablement/rehabilitation services.
• There had been an increase in Safeguarding concern referrals from partner agencies.
• An increase in support for carers.
• 78% of people had been given support and signposted to other help in the community via the Advice and Wellbeing hub.
• Adult Social Care was measured nationally against short and long-term services. Also, via an annual Adult Social Care survey, Safeguarding Adults, Carers survey and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which was a specific statutory responsibility.
• ASCOF measured four key areas: Enhancing quality of life for people with care and support needs; delaying and reducing the need for care and support; ensuring that people have a positive experience of care and support; safeguarding adults whose circumstances made them vulnerable and protecting them from avoidable harm.
• An area of focus was to only use residential or nursing homes when essential and to support people at home. This area was specifically focussed on younger people.
• There had been an increase in Direct Payments and this continued to be an area of priority.

The Committee thanked officers, carers, and front-line staff in Adult Social Care in supporting vulnerable adults in Reading.

Resolved –

(1)     That the performance of Adult Social Care in Reading for 2020-21 against similar Councils, the South East and the national Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) indicators, be noted.

(2)     That the associated Action Plan to address two key areas of development be endorsed.