To receive a verbal update from Assistant Director for People Services.
10.00 am-10.20 am
Minutes:
The Democratic Services & Governance manager presented this item and explained that the Assistant Director for People Services was unable to attend but had provided the Committee with a report, particularly focussing on deprivation in North Norfolk and the role of People Services. The DSD noted that the report couldn’t cover everything but highlighted how data was used to shape best interventions, with the aim of targeting those with the greatest need and identifying issues early to prevent crisis situations. He noted the use of the Local Income tracker (LIFT), highlighting that this work has gained access to £2.3m of unclaimed benefits for North Norfolk residents. He also referred to the “Better Off Calculator” to improve financial resilience of residents
Cllr Gray and Cllr Rouse were pleased to see the work being undertaken and the use of the data. Cllr Cushing believed that this report could be considered further within the proposed agenda for July. Cllr Hankins noted the connection between domestic violence and the impact of homelessness and wished to see this considered in the future homelessness strategy before the Committee.
The Chair asked for more detail in connection with item 8 of the report (supporting residents with health-related barriers), particularly outcomes of interventions, the DSD noted this and invited members to feedback on areas where they would like more detail and stated that he would ensure the link to the indices would be reshared to members with guidance on its use and how to navigate.
The Chair queried whether there was staff capacity for the work being undertaken by the team. The DSD confirmed that there were peaks of work for the team, but in general, in relation to the matters NNDC responsible for, there were sufficient resources although the challenge was the desire to provide the best service possible.
Cllr Heinrich asked to have access to GIS mapped information. The DSD believed that the indices should be available mapped out at geographical output and believed that would be useful to all members.
The Chair and the Committee extended thanks to the Officers in the People Services team.
Cllr Leith asked whether the help hub information could be better publicised as residents she had spoken to were unaware of it, or, would this create unstainable demand. The DSD noted that the hub was promoted heavily, he believed the routes into services were well known by partner organisations.
The Chair asked the DSD about social prescribing and whether this could be more visible. The DSD stated there were 2 routes into the NNDC provisions. One was through referrals from the primary care network, the other through other services and sources. He stated that it if there was opportunity to raise the profile of this, he would welcome it.
Cllr Hankins referred to the £50,000 energy costs support and enquired as to the take up to date and whether it would be an adequate amount. The DSD couldn’t provide take up data but noted the team had been busy. He noted that the length of the crisis would determine whether the amount would be adequate, and it was important to ensure the support was targeted to those in greatest need.
The DSD stated he would welcome any suggestions from members as to the level of information and detail the Committee required. Cllr Gray suggested that once members had a chance to consider the data then the Committee could consider themes.