The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change presented an   update on actions taken to progress improvements to the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) service and provide information on the position to date in preparation for a decision on the best delivery model for Bridgend.

The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change reported that previous reports to the Committee have outlined the critical need to re-shape and improve the delivery of the DFG service within Bridgend.  As the service has, for some time, failed to meet its performance indicator targets and, after consideration of factors raised by Members, Scrutiny, Internal Audit, and research with other local authorities, it has been concluded that a fundamental change in the delivery model is required to the service.  She stated that the delivery times for DFGs, particularly for complex children’s cases, is not consistent with a person-centred approach and the Council is in the bottom quartile for Wales in terms of delivery times.

The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change reported that research and analysis is being undertaken on a number of levels to progress the changes required to improve the DFG service delivery.  This has involved a ‘lean thinking’ systems approach, learning from other local authorities such as Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taff, and internal discussions and analysis.  She stated that the aim of this work is to determine the best model of service delivery for the Council.  It has been recognised that improvements require a fundamental shift in all aspects of the current service and action has been taken in the following areas to date:

·         The role of the agent

·         Discretionary works

·         Collaboration and support

The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change informed the Committee that further analysis is required to finalise future arrangements for Bridgend and determine the best service model to replace what is currently in place.  Cabinet will receive a report outlining the next steps to achieve transition from the current model to any new model.

The Head of Partnership Services informed the Committee that the review will focus on placing the citizen at the centre of the service whether it was for minor or major adaptation works to enable them to remain in their home. 

A member of the Committee referred to there being no financial implications in the report and asked for reflection in a future report of the financial scale of the grants and also the strategic contribution towards the achievement of the Council’s objectives.  The Head of Partnership Services informed the Committee that DGFs are up to the value of £36k and are means tested.  He stated that there are a number of budgets used to support DFGs, including to support citizens leaving hospital to return home.  He stated that the report to Committee will outline how those budgets are utilised to support those grants.     

A member of the Committee stressed the need to work better with hospitals when citizens are discharged and the need to avoid duplication of work in assessing what adaptations are needed.  There was also a need to monitor the standard of workmanship to ensure contractors are professional and qualified to carry out the work to avoid bad workmanship.  The Interim Chief Officer Finance Performance and Change informed the Committee that there is a need to own the whole system and that all processes have been flowcharted, there was now a need to put money against each of those processes / work flows in order to fastrack and bring the whole process together.  She commented that the process involving the engagement of agents has not worked effectively which has resulted in delays and spend against the grants.  There had also been duplication and poor workmanship and there is a need to ensure that where an agent is engaged, the process works properly.  She assured the Committee that the concerns are being taken on board.   

RESOLVED:              That Committee noted the progress to date to improve the DFG service and the current position and a report on Disabled Facilities Grants be brought to the April meeting of the Committee.