Welsh Government Cabinet Committees in 2005
Welsh Government Cabinet Committees in 2005
Deja vu all over again?
Cabinet Committee meetings in Wales in 2005 dealt in detail with issues which still matter today - childcare and children’s services, sustainable development, local government and public service delivery, older people, health service reform. Nineteen years on the same themes recur, though it feels odd after fourteen years of austerity to hear of local government funding concerns from 2005, even prior to the Global Financial Crash, when budgets were rising year on year in real terms. The discussions of efficiencies and collaboration remind us that the agenda was probably right but we must look back now and asked if this agenda on public service reform was pursued with sufficient urgency. The new Committee on Jobs and Skills began to meet during this year. Below I include copies of the Committee papers as well as links to the Minutes. With one exception, the links are pretty much intact, although it would be hard to find them if you weren’t pointed in the right direction.
Children and Young Person’s Committee
The Committee held its first meeting in 2005 on 24 January. There was a briefing on the UK Government’s Child Trust Fund, which had been launched on 11 January.
There was also a discussion on School Transport with a further update.
I cannot find a link to the Minutes.
The next meeting was on 21 February. The new Business Minister (Jane Hutt) informed the Cabinet Sub-Committee of her responsibilities as the Minister for Children and introduced Professor Ian Butler who was on secondment from Keele University to support the work of the Cabinet on Children's Policy. The Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration introduced a paper on Housing and Homelessness amongst Care Leavers which explored the housing problems care leavers faced when making the transition to independent living, and the action being taken to address those issues. The transition for care leavers was particularly traumatic with additional challenges in terms of health, education and employment. They also faced a highly competitive housing market with suitable accommodation being hard to find and often unaffordable. As a consequence significant numbers of care leavers had been housed in unsuitable temporary accommodation such as bed and breakfast or hostel accommodation while their needs were assessed. This had contributed to a number of individuals either returning to formal care arrangements or becoming homeless. Officials were preparing proposals for legislation to restrict use of bed and breakfast accommodation and set higher standards for premises used in the provision of temporary accommodation. The Children First Team had conducted confidential surveys of care leavers covering a range of service issues, which included the quality of housing of their initial placement. It was hoped the results of the survey would provide an understanding of young people's perceptions of how their housing needs were met when leaving care. Ministers discussed the arrangements which were in place in Young Offenders Institutions in Wales to protect their mental health. They identified the need to consider cross-jurisdictional issues arising in relation to mental health services for young people and to subsequently address any service deficiencies identified.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which outlined work underway to promote and develop best practice by social services authorities and their partners in commissioning specialist placements for children. Ministers discussed the paper and noted local authority expenditure on out of area placements in social care, education and health settings. The majority of this spending by social services departments was on looked after children. The paper concentrated on social services commissioning of placements for Looked After Children. It was suggested the wider issues would benefit from the Cabinet Sub-Committee considering a further paper in due course which set out the range of issues to be addressed in developing a whole system approach to interventions in children in need, including looked after children including health (specifically CAMHS) and special educational needs.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper s on the revised guidance on Pupil Support and Inclusion. The revised guidance was an overarching document highlighting the main policies and duties for schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) for the inclusion and support of pupils of compulsory school age but also covered education provided outside the school setting. It would be accompanied by a number of 'offshoot' documents providing extra information on specific issues such as respecting others, exclusion from schools and pupil referral units and special educational needs code of practice.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper on the early years of children's lives. It was agreed that over the long term the most effective method of tackling disadvantage and promoting social justice would be through targeted early years interventions. It was agreed that further work was required to develop suitable models for interventions. Ministers suggested pilot projects be identified in areas of both high and low unemployment and agreed that the 'Heads of the Valley' Initiative would lend itself well in respect of the former.
The Committee met again on 11 April. The Minister for Children advised that the Ministerial bi-laterals had helped to further identify crosscutting issues. They also underlined the role of the Cabinet Sub Committee in co-ordinating policy development, particularly in priority areas such as the Children Act 2004 and the delivery of the Children’s NSF (National Service Framework). Ministers suggested that it would be helpful if Ministers and officials had access to a matrix that set out the full range of Assembly Government policies, programmes and Ministerial responsibilities for Children and Young People. The Minster for Children informed the Cabinet Sub Committee that the meeting with stakeholders to discuss asylum seeking, refugees and separated children had been well supported. The group had suggested specific themes of work to take forward, in particular identifying the number and location of children falling into these categories. The Minister for Children advised the sub committee that the close engagement with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) on the progression of the children’s agenda had been demonstrated in recent meetings. Ministers welcomed proposals from the WLGA to work with the Assembly Government in co-ordinating communication of children and young people’s issues, with relevant lead members in the WLGA, local heath boards and National Health Service (NHS) Trusts.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper on Involving Children and Young People in Community First Activity. Ministers noted the benefits of involving children and young people on issues affecting their lives. They agreed that it was highly desirable to involve children and young people in Community First Activities to ensure that their views were represented. It was suggested that Communities First Action Plans could provide such an opportunity.
The Minister for Children introduced a paper that outlined the timetable for the introduction of the Children Act in Wales. Ministers suggested it would be informative if a paper was produced on the cost implications of implementing the Children Act.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper that outlined the arrangements for Child Trust Funds (CTF). Ministers agreed that local authorities should provide evidence to show how looked after children might benefit from the trust fund and that the Inland Revenue monitored records of children who were receiving funding and those were not.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the Food and Fitness Manifesto five-year action plan. Ministers commended the recommendations outlined in this paper which focused on delivering the manifesto specifically covering school and community based action plans. Ministers suggested that a further paper be provided to identify possible priorities and implementation arrangements for the action plan. Ministers discussed the importance of nutrition and diet awareness amongst children and young people and how this might be included in the curriculum during the early years. The Assembly Government has been pro-active in developing initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles as currently demonstrated by programme and policies such as through actions including free breakfasts in schools and food based nutritional standard guidelines
The Committee met again on 23 May. The Minister for Children advised that she had completed the first round of her bilateral meetings with Ministers to discuss her role and identify the crosscutting issues for consideration by the Cabinet Sub-Committee. She also advised the Cabinet Sub-Committee that she had met with two groups of refugee and asylum seeking young people to discuss the key issues affecting them. The Minister for Children advised the Cabinet Sub-Committee she would be meeting with Beverly Hughes MP, Children's Minister in England and asked Ministers to inform her of any relevant issues they would wish discussed.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced Jean Christensen who gave a presentation to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Self Assessment Audit Tool. This had been developed for the Assembly by the National Public Health Service for use by all organisations involved in delivering services for children and young people and would measure and monitor progress against the NSF standards. The SAAT was being piloted by six Children and Young People's Framework Partnerships and was scheduled for completion in June 2005. It was noted that early indications from the pilot were positive. It was hoped that a successful pilot would demonstrate its effectiveness for planning, commissioning and fostering of partnership working. The wider roll out of the programme for the SAAT was scheduled to take place during July 2005. Ministers noted the outcome of the consultation on the National Service Framework, which had received support within Wales and which was also highly regarded in other parts of the UK. It would be redrafted to take on board the feedback received and to ensure the actions identified are relevant. Ministers requested a paper on the priorities and funding implications of the NSF.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper that outlined the Assembly Government's commitment to adopting a whole school approach to food and nutrition in schools. It also considered the implications of the evidence currently available and invited Ministers comments to agree the way forward. Ministers noted the range of initiatives that had already been implemented as part of this approach; such as Welsh Network of Healthy Schools Scheme, primary school free breakfasts, and fruit tuck shops. Ministers acknowledged the importance of developing the Action Plan on Food in Schools that should include specific outcome measures.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper on draft consultation guidance on implementation in Wales of local arrangements for co-operation under the Children Act 2004. The consultation document set out draft statutory guidance on local co-operation and also the principles underpinning the development of the new Children and Young People's Plans. It was suggested that in developing their partnership arrangements of local authorities and other organisations consideration be given to including voluntary organisations and the Fire and Rescue Authorities.
The Minister for Children introduced a paper which provided an overview of policies and programmes for children by Ministerial portfolio. Ministers noted the matrix and agreed to provide any further comments on it before its wider dissemination. Ministers requested that a diagrammatic version of the matrix be produced and presented for approval by the Cabinet Sub-Committee.
The Minister for Children introduced a paper which set out the proposed remit, role, membership and administrative arrangements of the new Officials' group to support the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Children and Young People. It was suggested that in taking forward work on childcare there was a need for the group to give consideration to implications for children's services as a result of a full employment economy.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper on the arrangements for supporting and developing life skills for care leavers.
The next meeting took place on 4 July. The Minister advised she had met, and plans to continue meeting, stakeholders representing refugees and asylum seekers in Wales. The Minister updated the group on her meeting with Beverley Hughes MP, Minister for Children in England, where she had agreed to look at how reporting on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child could be done to fully reflect the progress of the Devolved Administrations. It was also agreed to meet twice a year with the UK Government's Children's Minister on matters of mutual interest with the next meeting timed to coincide with the UK Presidency Youth Event to be held in Cardiff in October 2005. The Minister advised the Cabinet Sub Committee that she intended to invite all four of the home countries Children's Commissioners to meet in Wales later this year. Finally the Minister for Children reported on her meeting with the general Medical Council and the work they were undertaking on developing new guidance from the children's rights perspective in relation to information sharing and confidentiality.Tche Minister for Children emphasised that the Cabinet Sub-Committee was established to help the Welsh Assembly Government co-ordinate policy on Children and Young People and that a balance had to be struck between short and long term strategies.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper on early years interventions. Ministers agreed that the emphasis on 0 -3 years was welcome as well as the use of primary schools as the main vehicle for delivery. The group was also broadly in favour of using the 40% free school meal threshold for targeting intervention. Ministers asked officials to consider names other than Surestart Plus and determine how best to broaden the evaluation of Early Years Interventions to include consideration of the impact on a wider social and economic front. Ministers acknowledged the difficult decisions to be made in relation to targeting and in particular recognised the linkages with Communities First and asked that the possibility of targeting the proposed super output areas as well as primary school catchment areas should be further explored.
Yhe Minister for Health and Social introduced the paper on tackling sexual exploitation of children. Ministers agreed it provided a useful context for this issue. The Children's Minister and the Minister for Health and Social Care agreed to have a bilateral meeting on this issue and in addition, to meet with the Wales Trade Union Congress to discuss the work of the unions in tackling the sexual exploitation of refugees and asylum seekers. The Children's Minister suggested there was a need to consider the issue further in due course, particularly in respect of the impact of and the opportunities in, the Children's Act and the role of Local Safeguarding Children Boards, which would be replacing the Area Child Protection Committees.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper to pilot the Common Assessment Framework for all agencies working with children in Wales. Ministers asked officials to include an item on the report being undertaken by Gwenda Thomas AM in the Forward Work Plan and to produce a paper to note on the Common Assessment Framework in the Autumn. They also asked for briefing on workforce development in relation to childcare
.The Education and Lifelong Learning Minister advised the Cabinet Sub Committee of the arrangements for the Funky Dragon Annual General Meeting (AGM). The attendance of several Ministers had been confirmed.
The next meeting was held on 3 October. The Minister for Children advised the Cabinet Sub Committee that she had that morning given evidence before the Safeguarding Review, chaired by Gwenda Thomas, AM. Ministers noted that the launch of the Children’s National Service Framework on the 30th September had been very successful.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced the paper on progress of the Parenting Action Plan, following public consultation. The Action Plan sought to ensure that parents in Wales had access to the advice and support they needed, and set out what the Welsh Assembly Government intended to do to support parents over the next three years up to March 2008. The Parenting Action Plan emphasised universal support for parents and carers through the provision of information and advice, providing clear links to other services where relevant. It was noted however, that there were particular areas of the Assembly Government’s work which supported parenting, but were not reflected in the Parenting Action Plan. Ministers suggested that officials should include reference to advice and support for divorcing parents and their children; bullying; children leaving home, including those leaving care and self harm. Ministers noted the prominence of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Children, Young People and Maternity Services in the Action Plan. The NSF contains a specific standard on parenting that aimed to make sure that parents and carers could obtain a range of services they need, in particular parenting education and parenting support programmes. Ministers discussed Corporate Parenting and the importance of collective responsibility across services and local authorities to safeguard and promote the life chances of looked after children.Ministers suggested that a further paper should be produced, drawing on the Care Standards Inspectorate Wales Annual Report (2005) and other sources, setting out ways in which the Welsh Assembly Government can reinforce the duties of local authorities as corporate parents. Ministers noted the importance of non-violent parenting and reinforced that there were better ways of dealing with difficult behaviour and teaching children right and wrong. One of which was the Webster-Stratton Parenting Programme for children with behavioural and related problems.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which proposed a way forward for school nursing in Wales. In 2000, as part of a response to serious concerns regarding the health and welfare of children, the Chief Nursing Officer commissioned a review of Health Visiting and School Nursing in Wales. Ministers noted the findings from the review that related to the state of the current workforce. It highlighted that the number of school nurses was in decline and that there was inconsistency in the conditions of employment of school nurses across Wales. Ministers noted the findings and recommendations of the Mapping of School Nurses and agreed that a working group should convene consisting of Assembly Government officials, to develop a consensus on the role of school nurses in Wales and to develop a strategy, including the cost implications, to meet future requirements.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper on the impact on children of a full-employment economy. Ministers noted that the UK employment rate was at its highest; 75% compared with 68% just 20 years ago. Demographics had shifted dramatically since the founding of the Welfare state, where full employment was measured from the perspective of full male employment. It was noted that, nearly two-thirds of women with children are now in paid work – up 6% in 10 years. However, this figure masks the high proportion of female workers in part time employment. Over a quarter of children were living in a lone parent family, compared to 8% in 1972. Ministers suggested a further paper be produced on ways in which economic policy in Wales, taking into account the changing nature of the Welsh labour market, is producing benefits for children and young people identifying obstacles to children receiving the benefits of a full-employment economy. It was noted that instability in childcare provision impacts significantly on employment levels, and services to support working parents needed to be reliable, accessible and affordable. Ministers discussed how it was important to support an adequate supply of childcare to meet the demands stimulated by high levels of employment levels and to ensure that individuals were not prevented from benefiting by the absence of suitable childcare. Ministers suggested that a strategy of awareness raising be considered in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions to support this. Ministers noted the ‘Torfaen Children’s Pilot’ which was designed to identify whether a lack of affordable, assessable childcare was a significant barrier affecting parents’ ability to work. It was suggested that subject to evaluation, this should be considered for trial elsewhere in Wales, using the Pathways2Work/ Want2Work model, which enhanced Department for Work and Pensions funded projects via European Structural Funds.
The Committee met again on 31 October. The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper which set out how Making the Connections engaged with Children and Young People. Ministers noted that Making the Connections was designed to make services more responsive to citizens and communities and so to make the most of Wales’ human and material resources. Engagement with children and young people as part of this process was as important as engagement with any other section of the population. Ministers also noted that there had already been significant development in the engagement of children and young people through various mechanisms. These included Funky Dragon, Young People’s Partnerships and School Councils
.The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper on rationalising the planning of services for children and young people. The paper also took into account the current initiative to develop coherent measures of performance. Ministers noted that the Children Act 2004 enabled partnerships to be strengthened between local authorities and other service providers. There was a statutory obligation for local authorities to promote co-operation with their key partners including the police, probation service, youth offending teams and local health boards and trusts. Such co-operation might also lead to the pooling of budgets to deliver more cost effective services. Officials advised that consultation had taken place on proposed core performance indicators for 2006-07 with the aim of providing a balanced account of performance in 25 key service and policy areas. Areas affecting children included education, social care services, leisure, culture, transport and democratic engagements. Ministers discussed the importance of measuring the accountabilities of individual partners and being clear on how and where resources were allocated. An important source of funding for a range of programmes for children was Cymorth, which provided targeted support for children and young people and which was administered through local Children and Young People's Partnerships. Ministers noted that Cymorth was currently being evaluated and suggested it would be helpful to receive feedback on the outcome of the evaluation. In the light of experience with other Assembly Government programmes where funding had been absorbed into local authority structures Ministers requested that the proposed paper include advice on the timing of Cymorth funding’s amalgamation into the Revenue Support Grant (RSG). Ministers also suggested that it would be useful to receive advice on the future of the Children First initiative and the incorporation of its funding into the RSG.
The final 2005 meeting of the Committee was on 28 November. The Minister for Children provided an update for Ministers on several key areas of work including Corporate Parenting, Information Databases, the Physical Punishment of Children and the National Service Framework. In respect of Corporate Parenting, Ministers questioned how well this worked in practice. Officials advised that some good practice did exist but this was not widespread. Ministers were keen to see Local Authority cabinet members with responsibility for children’s issues engage over Corporate Parenting.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper which summarised the responses to a recent consultation on local partnership co-operation. The consultation had resulted in 160 people participating in three workshops and 70 written responses which included collective responses from 12 Framework Partnerships
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The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper on specialist placements, which was tabled jointly with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning. Ministers noted the key findings of a study into the commissioning of specialist placements that had been subsequently disseminated to Local Authorities and Local Health Boards. Ministers, however, acknowledged that there was significant room for improvement in the arrangements for a co-ordinated approach between Health bodies and Social Services and Education Departments in commissioning placements and making appropriate provision for children. The Cabinet Sub Committee also felt that it was important to question whether the practice of placing children in locations remote from their home community represented any real benefit for the children concerned
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The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the paper on children’s advovacy services, which had been re-scheduled from the previous meeting. Ministers welcomed the paper and its recommendations. In particular, they were concerned about the lack of a complaints process for children under 16 who could access health services and treatment without their parents’ consent but had no subsequent right of complaint or access to advocacy. Ministers also recognised that many of the shortcomings present in other children’s services were also manifest in Advocacy Services, in particular the need for better co-ordination between health, social services and education. It was suggested that officials should make Sir Jeremy Beecham aware as part of his review of local services.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper on early entitlement and advised the Cabinet Sub Committee that by Easter 2006, all the complementary programmes and policies would be in place. The draft Early Entitlement document focused on the 0-10 age range and was designed to demonstrate the range and scope of all the Assembly Government’s interventions and initiatives for 0-10 yr olds.
Jobs and Skills
The new Jobs and Skills committee had its first meeting on 7 February with the First Minister in the chair. The Cabinet Sub-Committee considered and agreed its Terms of Reference subject to minor amendment. Ministers agreed the terms of reference should include reference to the 14-19 Agenda. They also agreed that the Wales Tourist Board and the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales should also be included in considering the issues arising from the mergers of the Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies with the Assembly Government.
Ministers discussed the forward work programme.
Officials introduced a paper which provided an update on the latest position regarding negotiations by the European Union Member States on the draft Structural Funds regulations for the period 2006-2013.
Officials updated the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the position of the Learning Pathways 14-19 Guidance and the Deputy Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning the Cabinet Sub-Committee of her plans for promoting the guidance. The guidance set out how it was intended to further develop and put into action the key elements of transforming 14-19 provision for all learners in Wales. As a result it was hoped that all young people in Wales would have:
more choice from a wide range of relevant and motivating courses, and the flexibility to change direction without losing the benefits gained;
opportunities and experiences to gain the essential skills they need for life and work;
a smooth transition from education to work;
the support they need to help them remain in learning and get the most out of it from 14 onwards;
the opportunity to see 16 as a progress point not a cut off point;
greater chance of achieving level 2 or level 3 qualifications and much less chance of leaving learning with no qualifications at all;
opportunity to put something back into their communities; and
chance to participate in the development of the proposals
It was hoped the Learning Pathways would impact positively on basic skills, workforce skills and sustainable employment enabling all learners to develop the skills they needed for life and work. This would contribute to improving qualifications and a reduction in the number of 16-18 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET). Ministers suggested consideration be given to the expansion of the curriculum for pre-16 year olds to include provision for training in vocational skills where students were identified as more suitable for a more practical occupation. There was a risk of these pupils dropping out of the system due to a lack of interest or aptitude in traditional academic subjects. This would reduce the risk of truancy and increase the scope for engagement of these pupils and work towards training them in recognised skills and qualifications. Ministers acknowledged the importance of training young people in key skills for future development of the workforce in Wales to meet future skills shortages. In particular construction skills had previously been identified as a key area where there was a shortage of suitably trained individuals to meet future demands. Ministers were keen to consider methods of funding suitable schemes for tackling this issue and suggested the use of European Structural Funds be explored. Ministers asked if the current delivery models of skills training could be complemented by purpose built training facilities such as skill centres.
At the Committee Meeting on 14 March there was a scoping paper on the area’s of the Committee’s remit. The First Minister introduced the paper which summarised the main trends affecting skills and jobs in Wales and suggested issues for discussion. Ministers discussed the changing structure of occupations in Wales and it was noted that there had been growth in the number of both higher and entry-level jobs but there had been a reduction in the numberof craft level jobs. It was agreed that raising economic activity levels and increasing the percentage of high skill, high productivity, high pay jobs in Wales was an essential factor in stimulating further growth gaining in competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy, with the emergence of China and India. Officials advised that the Heads of the Valleys Initiative would be able to build on progress already achieved in improved housing and infrastructure which had attracted people to the area, staunched the outward flow from the area, and led to an increase in the demand for a wider range of jobs. In the current tight labour market, government interventions could make such locations more attractive to a greater spectrum of business than hitherto. Ministers noted the strong evidence of early years interventions in shaping subsequent patterns of self-esteem skills acquisition and life-chances
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The Minister for Economic Development and Transport introduced a paper on work underway to revise A Winning Wales. The changes to structural funds and regional aid guidelines post 2006, the mergers of the Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies (ASPBs) and the publication of the new skills and employment action plan, had provided the context for revising the document. It was intended that this would put in place a strategic framework and agenda for the new Economic Development and Transportation department.Ministers discussed the use of targets and it was suggested that the revised targets should be tied in with 'Making the Connections' and take account of those already in place in respect of The Learning Country; Local Government policy agreements and the Improvement Programme. It was also suggested that the approach to targets setting needed to be consistent across all portfolios and that targets should only be adopted where there was a clear strategy for delivering them and where there were mechanisms for monitoring their outcomes. In anticipation of reviewing departmental targets prior to the merger of ASPBs, Ministers requested a paper on the development of a consistent approach for establishing relevant, attainable targets across all portfolios. Ministers discussed the options for revising A Winning Wales. There had been a significant shift in the labour market and the Welsh economy since A Winning Wales was launched, and the global economy had also seen a major upheaval. The rewrite should focus on helping more economically inactive people into jobs and raising the quality of jobs and skills. Developing a ‘niche’ economy for Wales should be explored by targeting particular types of investment.
Officials introduced a paper on the European Commission (EC) revised proposals for the review of Regional Aid Guidelines. The proposals had been considered at a multi-lateral meeting between the Commission and Member States. Member States had been given until 1 March 2005 to make written representations before the Commission prepared its first draft of the new guidelines in May 2005. The Commission's revised proposals underlined its continuing commitment to Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics (NUTS) 2 areas as supported by Wales as the basis for the next generation Assisted Areas Map and had signalled the end of the argument promoted by the UK Government for NUTS 3 areas. The key issues covered in the proposals included an amendment of the eligibility criteria for the highest tier of Article 87(3)a areas and a reduction in the proposed maximum aid intensities to flatten differentials between areas. The proposals reflected Member State concerns over the potential for a major shift of investment eastwards to the accession countries. There had been a concern that the Commission may move to prevent aid being given to investment in replacement assets, although it was now anticipated the revised guidelines should make it possible to support investment in assets linked to modernisation productivity and efficiency.
The First Minister introduced a paper which set out the principles for the future development of Structural Funds and to agree an approach for taking forward the post 2006 structural funds agenda. It was reported that the position remained fluid with limited room for manoeuvre. Officials advised that the paper proposed principles in which post 2006 programmes may operate. It was agreed that consideration should be given to the areas for development and that they should be tested with stakeholders over the coming weeks and months. In particular Ministers were keen to ensure funding was accessed and targeted in a strategic way. Ministers asked whether consideration had been given to arrangements for bridging potential gaps between the current and new programmes, if the 2007-13 programme was late in starting. Officials advised that some projects approved under the current programmes (ending in December 2006) could continue operating into mid-2008 and further consideration would be given to the implications for possible gaps when the Budget position was clearer.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning updated the Cabinet Sub Committee on the progress of the 14-19 agenda. The recent White Paper in England in response to Mike Tomlison’s Working Group on 14-19 Reform had met with a variable response. The broad aims in Wales and England were now converging but Wales did appear to be in a better position to deliver those aims due to the progress already made on developing the Welsh Baccalaureate and Learning Pathways. Officials advised that both bids for Objective 1 and 3 funding for Learning Pathways 14-19 had been approved. Match funding would be provided by part of the money allocated for Learning Pathways by the Assembly Government. It was noted that the funding would help deliver amongst other things, an earlier implementation of the Learning Pathways and Learning Coaches. Ministers discussed the public profile of the new 14-19 learning pathways, specifically the apparent low level of awareness amongst employers. It was agreed that more should be done to promote the new 14-19 broader curriculum.
The Committee met again on 9 May. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper on action being undertaken to improve achievement rates at NVQ levels 3 and 4. Ministers discussed the research findings which indicated that performance in Wales was below the UK average – better than the North East of England but not as good as Scotland or the South East of England. However, some measure of success was evident with take up and completion rates of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) being proportionately higher than in England. Wales was also ahead of the game with the removal of the upper age limit on starting Modern Apprenticeships, the development of the Credit Qualification Framework for Wales and the accreditation of many Management and Leadership programmes which are currently unrecognised. The Welsh Baccalaureate had the potential to make a significant contribution to increasing skill levels above level 3. Future developments include the introduction of Workforce Learning Accounts and a continuation of the collaborative work already underway on Foundation Degrees. Ministers noted the performance figures and asked for more work to be done to explain the adverse comparison between Scottish and Welsh qualification attainment levels. In terms of international comparisons, Ministers noted the position in Wales, associated with the long tail of low or no qualifications and the apparent relative shortage of good quality middle managers, particularly in manufacturing and engineering. However, Wales and the rest of the UK did appear to experience an advantage over some European countries in terms of workforce flexibility. In achieving parity of esteem between vocational and academic learning, Ministers noted the research by Coleg Sir Gar, which suggested that occupations in manufacturing and engineering did not appear to feature highly in advice offered by careers advisers and teachers. Ministers asked for further information on this.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced the paper, which examined the role "skillcentres" previously had in providing skills training. The paper concluded that the skillcentre model could complement existing provision but may prove to be too expensive and inflexible to meet current labour market demands. There remained however, a need to consider new approaches to the development of intensive, sector specific training, particularly aimed at those with low skills with an emphasis on upgrading the skills of the existing workforce, as well as people who were unemployed or economically inactive.
Ministers discussed a paper on skillcentres and questioned whether it would have been useful to have considered the performance of the skillcentre network in the Republic of Ireland and the last one in Wales operated by Blaenau Gwent Borough Council at Tafarnaubach. Information on the costs and planned outcomes of the construction skills training centre being built in Cardiff was also requested. The importance of employer engagement in developing any skillcentre type provision was underlined and in particular, the role which could be played by the Sector Skills Councils. Despite the fall in the number of hard to fill vacancies, Ministers were advised that there remained a shortage of skills in certain occupations and sectors. Opportunities created by developments such as the housing stock transfers might not be fully optimised unless spatially targeted training activities were considered.
The First Minister introduced a paper which updated Ministers on the progress of discussions on the European Union Financial Perspective and the proposed Structural Funds regulations. Ministers were advised that further discussions had been held with the Commission and engagement with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and other external stakeholders was continuing. Initial reactions were positive.
Officials advised Ministers on progress with the 14-19 agenda, including an update on the European Structural Funds supported Coachtrain project and work undertaken on the accreditation of experience gained through part time work, particularly in retail and catering. Ministers were also advised of the opportunities for more to be done with public sector employers in Wales. Ministers noted that much progress had been made to promote the objectives of 14 –19, but more needed to be done, particularly in respect of achieving parity of esteem between vocational and academic qualifications. Officials were asked to prepare some briefing and lines to take on this and other headline 14 – 19 issues, which Ministers could use as appropriate.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper for information on the Careers Wales Online website. It had won a Welsh British Acacdemy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and had beaten off stiff competition.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning advised the Sub Committee that she had agreed in principle to proposals for the appointment of a "Vocational Skills Champion". It was intended that this person should be seconded from business to the Assembly Government for around 2 days per week.
The committee next met on 19 September. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced the paper giving details of the WEAP annual report and the progress on the Want2Work scheme. The Wales Employment Advisory Panel is classed as an Assembly Advisory Panel, superseding the Wales New Deal Assembly Task Force. The Minister underlined the importance of partnership working between the Welsh Assembly Government and JobCentre plus in delivering a range of welfare to work programmes.
It was noted that the New Deal has been particularly successful in Wales, with the New Deal for Lone Parents and the New Deal for Disabled People performing at a much higher level than the GB average. Ministers asked for a short briefing note to use in speeches. It was noted that one of the main problems preventing people from accessing work or learning is that of childcare. This impacted not only on young single parents but also on economically inactive family members who may be providing informal childcare facilities. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning suggested that a further paper on Childcare strategy with particular reference to the Torfaen Project should go to the Cabinet Sub-Committee.
The First Minister asked Roger Dinham of JobCentre plus if there were plans to roll out the Pathways to Work scheme across Wales. Roger Dinham advised that the current pilots were being evaluated and that the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions were yet to determine the shape and scope of the future roll out.
Roger Dinham also advised Ministers that around 40% of participants on the Pathways to Work scheme suffer from some form of mild mental health problems with the majority of the remainder suffering from heart and back problems
A paper won the Skills and Employment Action Plan was noted.
The First Minister introduced a paper which gave a brief update on the latest Structural Fund negotiations and sought Ministers’ views on the priorities and types of project activity likely to be supported under any future regional development programmes for 2007-13. He underlined the importance of the Welsh Assembly Government planning for the new Structural Funds Programmes and in doing so preparing, if necessary, for smaller programmes than those currently in place.
Ministers also suggested that future project approval should be driven by the evaluation of what had worked best under the current programmes. It was noted that in particular, there seemed to be an over-provision of general business support services and Ministers were keen to ensure that in future this should be targeted on the main drivers of productivity growth.
The Deputy Minister introduced the draft report she has produced on the 14-19 agenda which was presented to the Policy Committee in July. Ministers decided that the report should be presented to the Cabinet Sub-Committee at a future date prior to it being discussed by the Education and Lifelong Learning committee and in plenary.
The Committee met finally for the year 2005 on 14 November. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper which invited the Cabinet Sub Committee to discuss the extent to which officials should develop a separate and distinctive vocational learning route; and how to raise quality and the value placed on vocational learning. Ministers noted that vocational learning did not comprise of just work-based provision, it also covered a wide range of provisions in schools, further education and higher education. Officials advised Ministers that just 8% of Year 11 pupils choose a work-based route, whereas 40% choose school sixth forms and one-third go onto further education establishments. The 14-19 Learning Pathways agenda sets out to extend and enhance the learning programmes on offer and ensures that all young people have the appropriate guidance and option to follow vocational routes.
Ministers acknowledged that there was a major attitudinal problem towards vocational learning routes in comparison with traditional academic routes. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning advised colleagues that the new Vocational Skills Champion had been appointed to combat this and promote a more positive image of vocational learning. Peter McGowan would work with employers and learning providers to raise demand, improve quality and increase supply. Ministers agreed that the Vocational Skills Champion should be invited to future meetings of the Cabinet Sub Committee on Jobs and Skills as an observer. The Sector Skills Councils also play a significant role in promoting vocational learning routes. Ministers noted that many professions require a ‘licence to practice’ and this could do much to raise the profile of vocational learning
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The Minister for Economic Development and Transport introduced a paper which outlined progress to-date in developing sector-specific approaches to business support.
In 2002, ‘A Winning Wales’ identified the need to support new and existing growth sectors and clusters within the Welsh economy. Ten sectors were subsequently identified for initial appraisal. Ministers noted that the merging of the Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies (ASPB) would encourage a more integrated and market led approach and ensure a complementary approach to delivery by the Education and Lifelong Learning and Economic Development and Transport portfolios.
Whilst development work was ongoing throughout the ten sectors, Ministers acknowledged that other industries played a significant role in contributing towards economic growth. The Minister for Economic Development and Transport informed the Sub Committee that call centres in Wales employed more than 20,000 people making a considerable contribution to the Welsh economy. Ministers agreed that whilst these 10 sectors represented the current priorities, there was a need for them to be kept under review. Ministers noted the clear sectoral emphasis attached to the skills agenda. The ongoing development of sector strategies that integrate business support and training services would be a fundamental basis for activity post ASPB merger. Ministers also noted it was essential that providers responded to the skills needs of key and growth industries. Ministers agreed that sector skill planning was very important, and suggested that it would be useful to identify 3 or 4 key economic priorities which represented opportunities for growth, which would benefit from geographically targeted vocational learning programmes, primarily amongst the 14 – 19 age group
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The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper which summarised the Assembly Government’s Childcare Strategy ‘Childcare is for Children’, in response to the recommendations of the Childcare Working Group.
The Minister for Economic Development and Transport introduced a paper which presented a summary of conclusions and recommendations as set out in the review of the existing arrangements for public sector provision of Business Support in Wales. The work was undertaken by the Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Transport. The Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Transport informed the Sub Committee that further to the last public sector business support review in Wales in 2001, significant progress had been made, including the development of the Business Eye service. This incorporated rationalising services, introduced greater competition in the market for contracted services and improved links with private sector providers.
Local Government and Public Services.
The first 2005 meeting of the Committee was held on 24 January. Officials introduced a paper which invited views on the proposals for governance arrangements surrounding the implementation of Making the Connections and the development of the Action Plan. Ministers welcomed the paper. There was a discussion about the different terminology used in assessing performance and requested a paper exploring the use of more generic terms
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The Minister for Finance Local Government and Public Services welcomed Cllr Alex Aldridge, Cllr Meryl Gravell and Steve Thomas of the WLGA. WLGA officials had met Assembly Government officials while putting together the consultation document and it was reported that there was a firm commitment at leader level within the authorities to Making the Connections. There was also a commitment among authorities to collaborate further and a general feeling that good officers should made available to help other authorities. Discussions centred on collaboration between local authorities and in particular on the themes of Procurement of Energy, Capital Schemes, Looked after Children and Waste. Most of the local authorities had an energy strategy and procured energy through consortia. The largest of these, the Welsh Purchasing Consortium, covered the area of the old counties of Gwent and Glamorgan. Six local authorities and the regional police and fire authorities were collaborating in North Wales, whilst in West Wales Ceredigion, Carmarthen and Pembroke had similar arrangements. In addition, the four-former counties of Gwent and Caerphilly had set up a consortium to look at alternative means of procuring energy. Authorities intended to engage with experts with the aim of making further savings. A conference was being arranged at the end of March for officials responsible for procuring public buildings to ensure they are aware of the commitments set out in the Assembly Government’s Sustainable Development Action Plan, and Ministers suggested that the WLGA should be invited. Local Government capital expenditure on construction included works on the development and maintenance of housing, property and schools. There had been an audit of capital schemes, and authorities had been looking at a strategic way to help with the planning of projects. The employment of procurement principles encapsulated within the Construction Excellence scheme had been estimated to achieve a capital savings of up to 10%.
A further example of authorities collaborating was in the looked after children agenda. Discussions were well advanced in establishing a central children’s commissioning Unit. Resources from the Assembly Government had been earmarked to establish and maintain a central database on care homes, availability and fees. Funds had also been earmarked for a small specialist commissioning team to work with the authorities to develop more robust commissioning for children who required specialist care within or outside a specific authority. The Assembly government would be able to require collaboration between authorities on special educational needs, from 2006. There was also a risk that if authorities did not collaborate, tribunals would impose more costly solutions on them to meet children's needs.
With the increasing burden on local authorities on disposing of waste it was agreed that regional solutions needed to be applied. There was a history of collaboration with all 22 authorities participating in Waste Awareness Wales. They had been working together through three regional waste groups to prepare regional waste plans. These documents had identified the infrastructures required to meet the management targets detailed in the Assembly Government’s strategy ‘Wise About Waste’ The next stage was to find appropriate sites and procure the necessary waste management contracts. However, it was noted that there would be a need to address the issues arising from local opposition to new landfill sites.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee welcomed the positive approach the WLGA were taking to collaboration and asked them to consider whether any legislation was acting as a hindrance to joint working, since there might be an opportunity in a future Local Government Bill to amend existing legislation.
At the meeting on 21 February, officials provided an interim report on the consultation responses to Making the Connections. Around one hundred responses had been received from local authorities, the voluntary sector, and National Health Service (NHS) bodies in Wales. Consideration was given to the role of the voluntary sector, it was suggested that they may have a role in helping deliver Making the Connections and consideration should be given as to how best to engage with them. In particular, the potential for making greater use of ‘National’ voluntary sector organisations might be explored. There was evidence of good service delivery within local authorities and NHS Wales. The Sub-Committee requested examples, which could be shared with others and used to champion good practice. The Committee noted the collaboration agenda being developed by local government for example in procurement and waste management. The Sub-Committee requested that officials investigate different models of collaboration / joint working across the public sector, which would enable Ministers to offer further help and support. Officials were also asked to establish what mechanisms and processes were preventing collaboration. The Sub-Committee noted the intention to provide funding on a pump-priming basis to help to develop further collaborative approaches and agreed that officials should develop a scheme which would support local authority activity and, where appropriate, activity in the voluntary sector. The Action Plan to help deliver Making the Connections would be in place by 31st May. Prior to this the Finance Minister would be having meetings with her Ministerial colleagues to discuss its development. The Minister for Finance agreed to meet with Local Government leaders to discuss future financial settlements
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Officials introduced a paper about the role of regulation and inspection. This paved the way for clearer and more effective reporting structures, and provided a framework for improved service delivery. There were currently two strands of work, which were consistent with the objectives contained in Making the Connections. A concordat existed which governed the work of regulation and inspection bodies in health and social care, and the Inspection sub group of the Wales Improvement Board which focused on local authority regulation and inspection. There was cross membership between these groups and an overarching concordat had been suggested as a way of establishing a common understanding of the role of regulation and inspection within the overall accountability framework. The Cabinet Sub-Committee agreed in principle that there should be a cross public sector approach to regulation and inspection, which would have a set of common principles. There was also a suggestion that the remit letters to regulation and inspection bodies should recommend sharing good practice with similar organisations. The role of the Auditor General’s office was discussed and it was noted that the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services would shortly be meeting with the new Auditor General for Wales, Jeremy Coleman. It was agreed that following this Mr Coleman should be invited to a meeting of the Sub-Committee.
The committee met again on 25 April. Officials introduced a paper on the emerging Action Plan for Making the Connections. Ministers noted that the draft framework underpinning the delivery of the £600 million public service dividend had been issued. Ministers discussed the early development of the communication strategy and agreed the importance of developing it to ensure a consistent message on Making the Connections was promoted. It was suggested that Chief Executives and leaders of public bodies were engaged at an early stage to help deliver its key messages to their staff. Ministers asked that consideration be given to revising the language and terminology to target a variety of audiences. They also suggested that alternatives to the term 'citizen' be considered. Ministers requested that consideration be given to greater prominence for the Welsh Assembly Government in promoting publicly funded programmes and services. It was suggested that the development of a regional approach to delivering services should be explored further. Such an exploration might consider work already undertaken, such as the regional dimension of the spatial plan, regional approach of the Assembly Government, and National Health Service (NHS) Regional Offices. It was agreed that such an approach should be viewed as a better way of delivering services and not another layer of administration. Ministers acknowledged there was evidence of good service delivery within public services in Wales although more could be done to share examples of good practice. They agreed that the use of benchmarking and the potential for the development of a quality 'kite-mark' merited further consideration. It was also suggested that the Public Services Management Wales team should consider whether there was any scope to build on the experience of 'Excellence Wales'.
The Census results in 2001 provided evidence of a significant decrease in the number of schoolchildren in Wales by 2013. Ministers considered the implications of this and other recent demographic trends. A paper illustrating the potential impact of demographic trends on public services in Wales, was requested for the next meeting.
Ministers noted that business plans for Value Wales and Public Service Management Wales were scheduled to be signed off in May. They also noted the development of the Assembly's internal change programmes by the relevant departments and also the link with the location strategy.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee considered the need for a comprehensive set of standards for the delivery of public services, reflecting the principles of Making the Connections. It was also agreed that such standards should be developed in line with the first option within the Annex which was to consult on and publish guidance for service providers on customer care.
The use of e-services as a means for the public to access local services was discussed and Ministers agreed that there was a need to develop a uniform approach. Ministers agreed the importance of the role of Cymru-ar-lein in leading the roll out of the Broadband programme and that the momentum should be maintained.
Ministers also considered the draft forward programme for future meetings of the Partnership Council for Wales.
The Committee next met on 6 June. The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper which provided Ministers with the opportunity to consider the work of Value Wales and Public Services Management Wales and their contribution to the Making the Connections action plan. Ministers noted that Value Wales would provide the catalyst across public services to promote opportunities for making value for money savings. It was noted that this could be achieved through initiatives such as smarter procurement, streamlining support through shared services and better management of capital investment. It was also noted the key theme of efficiency through collaboration was being promoted.Ministers noted the proposal to establish a forum or committee of unions, employers and the Assembly Government. It was noted that such a forum would discuss the implications of the structures needed for delivering the connections which includes strategic workforce and employee relation issues, arising out of the changes made to the structure of the workforce.
Officials introduced a paper which invited Ministers to consider the proposed approach to performance management, targets and indicators. There was a distinctive approach to public service delivery in Wales that avoided a market-based, target-led approach but set a goal of collaboration and co-operation which was focused on community needs.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced proposals for a public consultation exercise on the 'Customer Service' and 'community participation' core standards in the draft Making the Connections Action Plan. They also considered the approach to researching citizens' perceptions of public services in Wales.
The Committee met again on 4 July. The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services reported that the publication of ‘Delivering the Connections’ had been well received. It was noted that the Partnership Council meeting in June was very constructive and that the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) continued to be very supportive of ‘Making the Connections’.
In order to deliver the required 1% efficiency gains at local government level, it was noted that public services in Wales should focus on improved public service delivery and not cuts in services. Ministers noted the potential for different interpretations of the value for money targets within local government and requested officials provided further briefing on the application of the targets.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper which reviewed demographic trends and identified possible implications for the delivery of public services. Ministers noted that, over the medium to long term, the Welsh population could decline if not maintained by net in-migration. Patterns suggested that dependency would increase, but there would be a shift away from children and more towards older people. However, these projections were uncertain. Ministers noted that although it was predicted that life expectancy would increase, it didn’t seem likely that healthy life expectancy would increase as rapidly as overall life expectancy. It was agreed that focus should be placed upon sustaining healthy living. It was noted that the Health Department had conducted a ward by ward health needs assessment and Ministers suggested that this work should be shared with other departments. It was noted that demographic effects could have implications on childcare and family support. Ministers agreed that early intervention should enable provisions for high quality childcare to be put in place. Ministers agreed that as the population structure changed over time, priorities would need to be refocused. It was suggested that Ministers could highlight the key points in speeches and at committees. Ministers agreed it would be helpful if officials provided further analysis of workforce planning which could be used to inform leaders of public services. Ministers noted the paper and requested a further paper on the implications for workforce planning.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduceda paper, which outlined the development of Regulation and Inspection within the Making the Connections framework. Ministers noted that regulation and inspection should be more of an engine for change and improvement by establishing what worked best in improving services, and promoting best practice. Case studies were an important tool. Ministers agreed that, following the report of the Local Government and Public Services Committee, a policy document should be developed in the autumn with a view for consultation. It should reflect the need for Inspectorates to collaborate more and share good practice offering practical examples. Ministers agreed that there should be a regulation and inspection forum for heads of inspectorates and relevant policy directors which would be chaired by the Permanent Secretary
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The Committee met on 19 September. The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced an update on the Public Sector Leaders Conference on Delivering the Connections: From Vision to Action. Ministers noted that the conference had been well attended by leaders and senior management from local government, the National Health Service (NHS), national bodies, trade unions and the voluntary sector in Wales. Support for the agenda was strong with focus now being placed on implementation.
Ministers discussed the Beecham Review of Local Service Delivery and the possible implications that could occur as a result of the Lyons Review of Local Government Finance in England. Ministers requested an update on the Beecham Review at the next Cabinet Sub Committee meeting
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Ministers noted the progress made on commissioning the Household Survey and agreed that the qualitative research programme should be considered by the Cabinet Sub Committee at a future meeting.
Ministers noted, further to the guidance issued by the Assembly Government earlier this year and the requirement for principal public bodies to deliver a cumulative 1% a year value for money and efficiency gains, work was underway across all public sectors and Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies (ASPBs) to develop efficiency plans.
Ministers discussed how public services were making efficiency savings in response to Making the Connections and the interconnection with the National Planning and Funding Arrangements for post-16 education. It was noted that there was a need for further work to identify which local authorities were asking their education departments to make efficiency savings direct from individual school budgets.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced the paper which illustrated the proposed draft template letter providing ASPBs with their remits for 2006-2007. Ministers approved the draft template letter which focused on strategic and operational priorities. It also emphasised core themes, new business priorities for the year ahead and statutory deliverables
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The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced apaper which outlined local authorities’ performance against their Policy Agreement milestones in 2004/5 . Ministers noted that each agreement contained milestones for performance in the years 2004-05 and 2005-06, as well as final targets for 2006-07. Emerging patterns suggested mixed performance. Most measures showed improved performance since 2003-04. In order to receive their grant, authorities would need to meet all of their milestones or targets or provide clear evidence that they had used best endeavours to do so. Ministers noted that no local authority had hit all of its milestones and requested a further paper providing data and analysis on how far local authorities had, or appeared likely to, meet their targets. It was agreed that decisions on whether to pay the grant to each authority would rest on establishing reasons for any under-performance in discussions with the authorities. Ministers agreed that any performance-related funding system must include the possibility of payment being withheld where under-performance, and particularly drops in performance, could not be justified.
The Cabinet Sub Committee considered the paper, which outlined the agenda items for the next meeting of the Local Government Partnership Council for Wales. Ministers noted the paper
.At the meeting on 14 November the Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper which provided an update on the progress being made towards achieving the efficiency agenda, as set out in Making the Connections. In order to assist the public sector in delivering the efficiency savings in Making the Connections, Value Wales had been established, with a clear focus on value for money opportunities through smarter procurement, streamlining support functions and better management of capital investment. It had been recognised that Local Authorities would need to strategically plan their annual value for money targets in line with the Assembly Government’s overall targets. And in common with all Assembly Government directly funded public bodies, they would need to demonstrate how they intended to achieve efficiency gains, whilst retaining effective public services. Guidance on the Assembly Government’s approach to securing value for money gains had been issued to public sector organisations. Ministers recognised the importance of ensuring that Trade Unions had a clear understanding of the Assembly Government’s aims in relation to Making the Connections. Ministers discussed how e-Government could support the Making the Connections agenda and agreed that a paper should be presented to the next meeting of the Sub-Committee.
Officials updated the Cabinet Sub Committee on the Local Government Plan Rationalisation Consultation which had concluded in October. There had been broad support for plan rationalisation and officials were addressing the small number of concerns raised. Responses to the consultation had suggested that a high-level local environment strategy was needed, but officials were still considering this There was a significant degree of support for the need for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plans and Ministers noted that these would remain statutory requirements. However, Local Authorities Rights of Way Improvement Plans would be removed as part of the plan rationalisation programme. It was noted that the consultation on community strategies had ended and it was agreed that officials should produce a paper for the next meeting of the Cabinet Sub Committee.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper which outlined PSMW’s work and looked at wider aspects of workforce planning and management. Ministers noted the importance of gaining accurate information in order to analyse trends and make realistic projections. PSMW had started a project to map existing information systems and characteristics which would enable the development of accurate information about the workforce. This was expected to report in the Spring. Ministers discussed how to attract people to work within the public sector and suggested that secondments from industry could be a useful method. Ministers suggested graduate career development organisations including GoWales and Jobscene could have a role in encouraging this. Ministers discussed the role of Modern Apprenticeships within the labour market. Whilst there were many schemes in the private sector, it was noted that there were few within the public sector. It was suggested that the National Health Service (NHS) Wales, could be an exemplar employer and it should encourage more apprenticeships.
The final meeting of 2005 took place on 12 December. The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper which suggested ways of reducing unnecessary burdens from the operation of inspection regimes and ensuring that outputs of inspection contributed to service improvement.Ministers noted the vital role that Regulators and Inspectorates play and emphasised the importance of using Regulation and Inspection as a positive and constructive tool to provide quality assurance in Public Services. Ministers discussed the possibility of wider engagement with customers/users of services to ensure that their views were fed into the inspection process. Ministers also asked that officials consider ways in which disruption and additional workloads caused by some inspection methodologies might be reduced. The value of self-assessment in certain fields was also noted and Ministers considered whether this approach could be adopted in other areas. Ministers noted ways of improving co-ordination of work programmes and sharing of information between regulators and inspectors, and acknowledged that the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Heads of Inspectorates Forum’, the first meeting of which had recently taken place chaired by the Permanent Secretary, could be a useful tool in taking this agenda forward with the Assembly Government’s own inspectorates.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper, outlining the role of the Wales Public Services Workforce Forum. This had been designed with the aim of encouraging dialogue on workforce issues and building constructive relationships. It was also envisaged that the Forum would be a useful tool in taking forward the Making the Connections agenda.Ministers welcomed the paper and Policy Statement and highlighted the potential of the Forum in developing a Welsh public service ethos and the role it could play in uncovering training and academic needs within the workforce. This could help promulgate the Assembly’s Public Service philosophy, possibly engaging with Higher Education Institutions in Wales to deliver these programmes
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The Minister for Economic Development and Transport introduced the paper, which set out the key issues and developments in the use of technology in designing and delivering public services in Wales, and the Assembly Government’s role in taking forward the Information Communication Technology (ICT) agenda. The Minister for Economic Development and Transport explained that an e-Wales Unit would be set up to drive strategic co-ordination of ICT both within the Assembly Government – by means of ‘ICT Champions’ within policy divisions - and across the public sector in Wales, and ensure developments were tied-in to the Making the Connections agenda.
The Cabinet Sub Committee discussed developments at UK government level, including progress on the ‘Direct Gov’ website, which aimed to provide users with access to a variety of government services. Ministers suggested that a similar approach be considered in the re-launch of the Assembly’s website in 2006, and asked that ways be explored to enable the Welsh Assembly Government website to provide links to other Government and public sector websites and services in Wales.
Older People
There were three meetings of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Older People, the firsrt on 7 February. The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the paper which outlined preparations for the drafting of a Bill to establish a Commissioner for Older People in Wales. The Domestic Affairs and Legislation Programme Committees of the UK Cabinet approved this proposal on 7th December 2004. Officials had prepared instructions for Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting of the Bill, it was hoped these would be ready for pre-legislative scrutiny in March 2005. Ministers discussed the different ways local authorities were developing policies and services for older people. They suggested that expected outcomes should be set out clearly to ensure consistent implementation of policies while ensuring local authorities maintained ownership of delivery
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The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the paper which provided a summary of the consultation on the Economic Contribution of Older People. The key messages received were that the business sector needed to recognise the 'older people market' more, there was support for extending working life while it was suggested that fixed retirement ages should be more flexible. There was a need for guidelines and measures to support changes in workforce planning, which addressed the implications of an ageing population. There should also be provision for training and learning for older workers and recognising the importance of their economic contribution.Ministers noted the range of work and schemes underway on extending the working life of individuals, such as the New Deal 50 Plus delivered by Job Centre Plus in Wales. They requested more information on the statistics of people over 55 extending their working life and what influenced this
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The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which provided an Impact Assessment of the Assembly Government's policies for Older People. The subsequent assessments had provided a useful framework for reviewing the on-going policies in the lead up to the full evaluation of the Strategy for Older People scheduled for 2006. Ministers discussed the upheaval older people faced when changing their home and care arrangements. This was one of the biggest single issues they faced and had the potential of having a huge impact on their lives particularly if they were not fully informed or prepared. It was agreed there was a need for the Assembly Government to work on bringing these cross-cutting issues together and officials suggested as a first step that the recommendations from the Wales Care Strategy Report and the Social Justice and Regeneration Committee on housing needs of older people should be used to undertake a mapping exercise
.The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the paper which presented the Healthy Ageing Action Plan for Wales. The consultation which ended in August 2004 received a positive response, especially in its potential to improve the health of older people. The purpose of the Action Plan was to bring together in one document existing and proposed health promotion initiatives for older people and provide guidance for its use. It outlined the responsibilities of the Welsh Assembly Government and its partners and introduced new Assembly led initiatives as part of the response to Health Challenge Wales.Ministers noted their concerns from constituents about delivery of domicillary care services where problems had been encountered in the lack of flexibility and choice for clients. A particular example of this was where assistance for older people to prepare for bed had as a matter of routine been delivered in the late afternoon. It was agreed that there was a need to ensure national minimum standards were met. Ministers considered the health of older people in care homes and questioned whether the effects of inactivity had a bearing on general health. They agreed the benefits of a healthy lifestyle should be promoted and suggested consideration be given to adapting the messages of the healthy schools campaign for care homes.
Officials informed the Cabinet Sub-Committee that the Prime Minister was expected to launch the UK strategy on Ageing in March 2005.
At the meeting on 23 May the Minister for Health and Social Services welcomed Councillor Meryl Gravell, Leader of Camarthenshire County Council, who had been invited to discuss the role of Local Government in the delivery of services for older people. Councillor Gravell indicated that the initiatives had flagged up a number of issues facing older people, such as affordable and comfortable housing. Ministers noted that accommodation should be flexible and suitable for people as they get older and that sheltered and additional care housing could have a role to play in providing such specialist services
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The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which detailed the position of services for older people as outlined in the Wales Care Strategy report and highlighted suitable models for short term support for people leaving hospital and, in particular, transitional care. Ministers discussed the Older Peoples Strategy and the commitments it made towards sustaining older people’s independence in the community. It was noted that there had been a small decline in the number of care homes in Wales. Officials advised Ministers that changing demography had an impact on the demand for social care services which was likely to increase. It was noted however, that there should be a shift towards domicillary care which could substantially reduce the projected demand for nursing and residential care, provided that dependency levels of older people were reduced too. Ministers agreed that managing for change was an important aspect of an ageing population and that the private and public sector had a role to play to work with local health boards.
Ministers discussed the importance of ensuring older people could sustain independence, through direct and corporate action from Local Government. This could be possible through delivering lifelong housing, supportive technology and assistance aids within the home. It was noted that older people should have information, advice, contact services and assistance to help them with direct access to carers and services. This could ensure that older people, especially those with disabilities, have access to the help they need to remain in their own homes.
The Committee met again on 31 October. Officials introduced the paper, which informed Ministers how the Making the Connections team, were engaging with older people, this included linking with the Strategy for Older People. The paper focussed on the Citizen Survey, Customer Service, Public Engagement and the Citizen Smartcard. It was noted that Local Authorities needed to work more with Colleges and Universities to ensure that the education needs of Older People were being fully met. Ministers discussed the use of funds made available as part of the Older People’s strategy to provide further education for Older People
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Officials introduced a paper, which set out the work being done to develop the Assembly Government’s vision for social services, social care and associated community services. The Policy Directions paper would be aimed at Local Authorities in their discharge of statutory functions. Ministers also expressed their concern that a number of issues were not being picked up by appropriate authorities as some cases were neither classified as a health or social services matters.It was agreed that more needed to be done to encourage Local Health Boards and Social Services departments to work closer together. It was suggested that existing legislation could be utilised more effectively so that budgets could be pooled and better joint planning arrangements developed. Ministers also agreed that there should be increased collaboration between social services departments and it was suggested that an integrated approach to the delivery of some services could be considered between adjacent social services authorities or an a regional basis.
The paper provided Ministers with an update on the progress and outcomes of the National housing debate on the future housing needs of older people. It included a summary of the outcomes of the consultation exercise and also proposals for future directions. It was suggested that, as a result of an ageing population it could become more difficult to address the changing housing needs of older people. It was noted that tenants of Local Authorities appeared to be at a disadvantage to those in private accommodation, in relation to home adaptations provided by social care departments, when returning from hospital. Ministers also discussed various equity release schemes available to older people and noted that Age Concern were currently looking at all the options available and were considering whether to introduce their own scheme
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Officials introduced the paper, which invited Ministers to discuss the Cabinet Sub-Committee Terms of Reference. Ministers agreed that these should be amended to include references to Making the Connections and that research evidence should be included
Sustainable Development and Spatial Plan
The first meeting took place on 7 February. Officials introduced a paper on the progress of the Spatial Plan. It was important that the whole of the public sector in Wales bought into and supported the Wales Spatial Plan, including local authorities and Assembly Government officials. Ministers agreed that the Plan should be on the agenda of the First Minister’s next meeting with the leaders of local authorities. They also agreed that Assembly Government processes should support the Spatial Action Plan and key Departmental officials should be identified to deliver this and ensure that the main programmes were refocused.It was noted that social regeneration and in particular affordable housing was a key factor in helping to deliver the Spatial Plan and it was agreed that the Sub-Committee discuss this at a future meeting and the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration should be invited to attend. The Minister for Economic Development and Transport was launching the Heads of the Valleys initiative on 17th March and it was agreed that this would be a good area to test how programmes related to the Spatial Action Plan.
Officials introduced a paper, which asked the Cabinet Sub-Committee to note progress in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Action Plan. The Action Plan contained around one hundred commitments, across all portfolios, most of which had been allocated target dates or milestones. Ministers agreed that officials leading on the top ten actions should collectively attend a meeting of the Sub-Committee to advise Ministers of progress. It was also agreed that the Chair and Chief Executive of the Welsh Development Agency should be invited to attend a future Sub-Committee meeting to discuss Welsh Development Agency’s progress in integrating sustainable development into its work programmes.
The papers from this meeting do not appear to have been published.
The Committee next met on 9 May. Officials informed the Cabinet Sub Committee that since the Spatial Plan had been adopted a number of workshops had been held across Wales to consult on its implementation. The workshops had been well supported across the public sectors, and specific private sector events had also been held. The events report would be published and be used to inform the inaugural agendas of the Ministerial Area Groups.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced the paper on the Top Ten Sustainable Development Action Plan Commitments. Lead officials had been invited to inform the Cabinet Sub Committee of progress against each of the commitments. In order to become energy efficient, it was reported that by 2010, all electricity used in Assembly buildings would be supplied from renewable resources or good quality embedded generation. At present 96% of electricity came from renewable resources and it was anticipated that other buildings could be converted as contracts came up for renewal. Officials advised Ministers that electricity conservation within large hospitals in Wales was effective and that all of the electricity consumed came from renewable sources. Ministers noted that Cardiff and Vale National Health Service (NHS) Trust had achieved its Green Dragon accreditation. It was agreed that focus should be placed on maximising energy efficiency in smaller hospitals as contracts were renewed. . All schools had been informed of the BREEAM standards, however, due to current contracts there could be delays before the standards were implemented. It was agreed that remit letters to the education sector should specify the need for BREEAM excellence in relation to any capital build programme.It was suggested that the Assembly Government should develop a more consistent approach to construction programmes, in order to gain the best possible outcome from capital grant investment. Officials advised Ministers that projects exploring the potential of using renewable energy solutions in policies and programmes aimed at tackling fuel poverty amongst low income vulnerable households would be piloted in the winter of 2005. Ministers noted the introduction of the Eco-Homes environmental assessment process and that the Assembly Government was to set energy efficiency standards above those requested by current building regulations for all new homes built in Wales. These new Development Quality Requirements would be published in May 2005. Ministers noted that specifications on contracts for school meals addressed the issue of health, nutrition and seasonal food. They also recognised that Local Education Authorities should be encouraged to take action on current contracts that are unclear on the Nutrition Regulations. Ministers noted that the Local Education Authorities in Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire had adopted best practice. Ministers noted the progress of the top tier agri-environment scheme, which would encourage co-operative action across farm boundaries and bring wider environmental benefits to the countryside. Officials informed Ministers that wider work was continuing with stakeholders to collate proposals for elements of the top tier scheme to be included in the next Rural Development Plan for Wales, covering the period 2007 to 2013. Ministers asked for a note to be provided on progress of the action. The Assembly Government and its agencies had been in discussion with key Welsh stakeholders to establish and encourage the use of microgeneration ‘renewables’ industry in Wales. Links had been made with the work commissioned by the Department for Trade and Industry on microgeneration strategy.
Again, the papers from this meeting do not appear to have been published.
The Committee heard on 18 July from the WDA. They had been invited to inform the Cabinet Sub Committee of the WDA’s response to the Sustainable Development Action Plan and to report on its progress on the integration of sustainable development and design quality into its regeneration and development activity.
The WDA had based its work on supporting the Assembly Government’s legal duty to promote sustainable development and its own policy document ‘Learning to Work Differently’, which explained how its activities support the Assembly Government in meeting its commitment to integrate sustainable development. The WDA had produced two integration tools, which proved very useful. ‘Creating Sustainable Places’ was a document which set out sustainability and design quality expectations for all regeneration and development projects. ‘Working Differently’ was an electronic tool which identified 4 key stages required to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Gareth Hall indicated that the ‘Site Sustainability Assessment’ had proven to be very useful when deciding whether to proceed with the purchase of a site, particularly when reviewing the sustainability characteristics of a site prior to preparing masterplans and development proposals. Ministers suggested it could be helpful if the WDA liased with the Welsh Assembly Government’s Capital Investment Team when considering procurement.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced the paper which provided an update on policy developments with the Sustainable European Regions Networks. Wales has been a lead region on two international networks on sustainable development for 3 years. The European Union funded network had been established to enable the Assembly Government to target its work in Europe and co-founded an international network to focus on the international element of sustainable development. The networks provide a basis for the implementation of commitments in the Sustainable Development Action Plan.
The next meeting of the Committee was on 17 October. The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper which provided an outline of what Wales could do to help deliver the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals in Sub Saharan Africa. It also set out proposals to improve the co-ordination of a Welsh response to international crises such as the Kashmir earthquake and the Tsunami. It was noted that the Assembly Government was committed to the delivery of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, through the Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development and the International Sustainable Development Framework. As international development was not a devolved issue, the Assembly Government was unable to provide monetary relief during international crises. However, Ministers discussed how expertise in areas such as procurement and scientific fields available in Wales, could add value to relief efforts in international emergencies, and how such services were co-ordinated. Ministers asked for a paper setting out how the Assembly Government could better co-ordinate a response when international crises occur, to include the feasibility of creating a database of expertise and specialist services, to aid a swift response. Ministers also discussed how other devolved administrations had responded to crises and asked for a note on how the Scottish Executive contributes to, and co-ordinates their relief efforts when dealing with such events. Officials advised that the Assembly Government has had an impact on the Millennium Development Goals delivery through 9 projects, funded under the Sustainable Development remit, one of which included the Wales -Lesotho Link which sent 24 teachers to Lesotho for 6 months over a 3 year period. Ministers discussed where the Assembly Government’s international efforts should be concentrated to have maximum impact. Somalia has historic links with Cardiff and Barry seaports. And the existing links with Ethiopia could be strengthened.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced the paper which outlined the role of Higher Education (HEI) and Further Education Institutions (FEI) in pursuing the themes of the spatial plan. The Assembly Government’s strategic approach for learning in Wales was set out in ‘The Learning Country’. The goal was for Wales to have a world-class education and lifelong learning system with integrated networks of providers which offered high quality opportunities, where benefits of learning contributed to economic development, empowering communities and enabling citizens to reach their potential.It was noted that there was a strong spatial dimension in relation to: FEI and HEI delivery regarding current and historic patterns of provisions; need; demographics and participation trends. Ministers agreed that learners should be able to access most areas and levels of learning within a reasonable distance from home or work. In order to achieve this in an effective and efficient way FEIs and HEIs needed to collaborate more with other learning provider networks. Ministers noted the paper.
Ministers noted the progress of the sustainable development commitments.Ministers were content that progress was being made but it appeared that some activities were not recognised as contributing towards sustainable development objectives.The Cabinet Sub Committee discussed how sustainable development could be interpreted and perceived differently. Ministers noted that the branding of ‘sustainable development’ in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and that of the Assembly Government differed slightly and that they could collaborate more.Ministers agreed that a paper should be produced setting out proposals for improving the profile of sustainable development outcomes, through an updated communication strategy and the consideration of re-branding sustainable development – ‘Sustainable Wales’. It was suggested that a ‘re-brand’ of sustainable development be considered for early next year.
The final meeting of the year took place on 28 November. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper which provided details on the issues surrounding school buildings and Capital Grant provision. Ministers emphasised the importance of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) principles in new school building projects and agreed to ensure such targets were being focussed upon and to collaborate with the Welsh Local Government Association on a joint Sustainable Development Action Plan in advance of meetings with Local Authorities planned for the New Year.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning introduced a paper which invited members to comment on the All Wales Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship consultation document. She stressed that the Assembly Government encouraged all education establishments to mainstream Sustainable Development principles into every aspect of the education system.
Ministers noted the consultees from the education sector and agreed that the document should be forwarded to the Sustainable Development Commission and other relevant organisations outside the education sector for their comments. In addition, officials were asked to discuss the document with policy leads in other portfolio areas to identify any potential read across
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Officials updated the Cabinet Sub Committee on the progress made within Sustainable Development. Ministers noted the importance of Fair Trade and its added value to Sustainable Development. Ministers agreed that the John Griffiths AM, Chair of the National Assembly All Party Group on International Development be invited to a future meeting of the Sub Committee to participate in discussions on Fair Trade.
Ministers discussed the latest round of Ministerial Area Group Meetings and the local issues affecting each of the regions. It was noted that project initiation documents were being agreed and these would be considered at a future meeting. Ministers were pleased that a recent Interreg presentation by Cardiff University had delivered a very positive view of the work of the Welsh Assembly Government in taking forward this agenda.
The Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration introduced the paper which explored how a more consistent approach to construction programmes might be achieved with regard to capital investment to ensure the best possible outcome.
The Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside, who had presented his apologies, had written to the Chair of the Cabinet Sub Committee with comments on the paper, including a request that the definition of sustainable construction be clarified. He also observed that other resources already exist in this area such as Planning Policy Wales, Technical Advice Note 12 and guidance from the Welsh Development Agency. The fact that the Design Commission for Wales has a role to play in matters of sustainable construction was also stressed, as was the importance of Value Wales and the Capital Investment Framework.
The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Public Services introduced a paper which outlined the current approach to sustainable communities and suggested areas for development. Ministers endorsed the need to go further in promoting the concept and practice of sustainable communities, welcoming the potential development of a toolkit and more work on linking investments to skills and other social development.
Wanless
The Committee on the implementation of the Wanless Health proposals continued to meet with the first meeting on 24 January. The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a report on the review of mental health services undertaken as part of the Implementation of the Review of Health and Social Care in Wales.Ministers discussed the condition of the National Health Service (NHS) properties used for the treatment of Mental Health problems in Wales. The buildings tended to be of an older style traditionally used as secure institutions. Some facilities were no longer suitable and required modernisation or closure. Advances in the treatment of mental health meant that only a small percentage of the patients who suffered from mental health problems required secure accommodation in order to prevent self harm and harm to others. More emphasis should be placed on community outreach programmes and use of low security premises for patients identified as suitable for this treatment. Ministers agreed the importance of promoting positive environments for individuals returning to work after recovering from Mental Health problems. There was a need to promote a return to work in a positive light with appropriate care plans in place to enable this to happen. Ministers agreed the need to look at policies for staff. The Assembly Government needed to be seen as an exemplar employer in encouraging its staff back to work after recovering from mental health problems.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which summarised the achievements of the Health and Social Care Review Implementation Programme in Wales and provided an overview of plans related to the programme for 2005/06.The programme had made significant progress in its first year, not least in terms of embedding the need for change across all organisations. There was a need to see this change in terms of delivery of healthcare, and officials were looking at the integration in hospitals. The changes were driven by the NHS resulting in mainstreaming of the programme. The link between service reconfiguration and communication was vital in order to engage the public in the realignment of services.Ministers discussed the need for better analysis of illnesses to identify underlying causes. They felt if these were addressed at an earlier stage there could be less of an impact on the individual and reduction in referrals to the acute sector
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Ministers suggested that more should be done on the Health Promotion agenda to raise awareness of the importance of achieving a healthy lifestyle. They also suggested that the Health Challenge Wales logo should be used to brand healthy produce and activities. They agreed that the Minister for Health and Social Services should write to AMs and MPs endorsing and encouraging their participation in Health Challenge Wales.
The Committee met on 7 March. Ministers discussed the interface between the provision of health and social care services on a regional basis. It was suggested there was need for co-ordination between the public bodies involved and that Gwent be used to develop a model for such integration. Ministers asked for early advice on the Action Point relating to mental health and the return to work of the Assembly’s own civil servants. Ministers discussed the issue of delayed transfers of care and the subsequent pressures placed on the health system whilst patients waited for suitable intermediate short-term care arrangements. It was agreed there was a need to demonstrate progress in this area and it was suggested that models be developed. The recently implemented "Enhance" project in Hampshire was quoted as a suitable example. It was suggested the work should be presented to the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Older People.
The First Minister provided feedback on recent discussions with representatives from NHS Trusts on the implementation of Wanless. The feedback received indicated a readiness to identify appropriate areas for rationalisation of NHS Services on a regional basis. Officials advised that the South East regional office was facilitating work with Local Health Boards (LHBs) and trusts to develop long term proposals for collaborative planning and commissioning of services. The hub and spoke model in Caerphilly was quoted as an example but it was suggested that further testing was required before it could be considered elsewhere. Ministers supported the idea of rationalisation in principle and suggested it should be linked to the work of 'Making the Connections'. They also suggested that meeting patient priorities should be at the heart of any proposals for rationalisation and the promotion of such policies should reflect that.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the paper which informed the Cabinet Task and Finish Group of the preliminary findings of the external review of the Wanless Implementation Programme. Ministers noted the programme had achieved a great deal in a short time, demonstrated by the variety of outputs delivered by the subgroups and implementation team. It was suggested that the progress should be publicised where possible and briefing be prepared for the Minister for Health and Social Services in preparation for plenary questions on 9th March. Ministers noted the development of the 10-year strategy for health and social care which also incorporated a 3-year strategic framework for 2005-8. It would identify the progress made on the implementation of Wanless, and set a series health gain targets and achievements up to 2012. It was agreed that the strategy would be circulated to all Ministers for comment prior to its publication.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the paper, which informed the Cabinet Task and Finish Group of the remaining work programme and the mainstreaming strategy. The Sub-Groups of the programme had completed their work streams and had stood down, with a small team remaining to undertake residual tasks.
Ministers noted the importance of taking forward the implementation of the Wanless Local Action Plans and the products of the implementation programme and that the 10-year strategy for health and social care would be the vehicle for this.
Ministers noted that a review of children's services would be taken forward within the 10-year strategy and suggested the mental health of young offenders should also be considered. A recent death of a young person in custody had highlighted the need for mental health assessments to be undertaken soon after arrest. This would help identify any mental health related issues and lead to appropriate action being taken.
Officials advised Ministers that the Health Challenge Wales publicity awareness campaign commenced on 31st January. Initial responses to the campaign were positive. This view was echoed by Ministers involved. Ministers discussed the methods of food supply and meal preparation in schools and hospitals. They observed that current transporting of pre-packaged food and meals over long distances had a cost implication and had an impact on their quality and nutritional content. It was suggested that, where possible, good quality local produce should be purchased and meals prepared on site. It was agreed that officials would prepare a paper focusing on the provision of good quality food as part of taking forward the Health Challenge Wales agenda.
At the meeting on 25 April the Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which outlined how the Wanless implementation process would be taken forward through a new 10 year strategy for health and social care. The Strategy, ‘Designed for Life’, drew all existing policy and strategy work relating to the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales into a single integrated framework. The aim of the Strategy was to create a world class health and social care system by providing fast, safe and effective services, and concentrating on the promotion of good health and wellbeing rather than simply the treatment of illness.Action in the first year would focus on ensuring that there was a basis to sustain rapid improvement and service change. To achieve this, ten target areas requiring reform had been identified. While Ministers welcomed this, it was suggested that consideration should be given to combining some of the target areas.As part of the reconfiguration plans, the Task and Finish Group discussed the capital purchasing power of the NHS in Wales and agreed that improved sustainable procurement practices could be used to purchase new equipment and therefore provide better value for money.Ministers agreed that reference to the elimination of smoking in enclosed public places should be included in the strategy.
The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which discussed the further development of Health Challenge Wales. The publicity campaign had been well supported through local and national events, and an evaluation framework had been established to measure performance. Ministers were encouraged by progress.
The Committee met again on 18 July. The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the paper which detailed the progress made on the Public Involvement Model. It had been developed to assist health and social care organisations enhance their services to provide information to patients and the general public.The School of Care Sciences at the University of Glamorgan had been asked to develop an overarching Public Involvement Model, as existing guidance primarily focused on National Health Service (NHS) organisations. This was backed by evidence based research and built upon the understanding that no single method would be sufficient to ensure involvement of patients and the public
.The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced the paper which summarised the results of the external review of the Health and Social Care Implementation Programme. Chris Ham, Professor of Health Policy and Management at the University of Birmingham, had been asked to undertake the review. He had indicated that Health and Social Care Implementation Programme was not to deliver change but to develop proposals for strengthening the performance of the NHS and social care departments to enable action to be taken on the issues identified in the Wanless Review. He believed that the programme had mostly met these objectives. The Professor had indicated that the Assembly Government should now focus on ensuring that Designed for Life had been accepted as the engine for driving the thinking and practice of both the NHS and the Health and Social Care Department. He suggested that service reconfiguration should take priority in the next phase of the reform. Also, there should be a more disciplined and comprehensive approach to identifying key priorities and create a tougher and more robust regime to ensure delivery. There was also a need to achieve a whole system view by producing Designed with Care to Complement Designed for Life. Ministers agreed that strengthening performance management and delivery in hospitals was also a priority, and that to achieve this, top class leadership was required at all levels. It was suggested that the role of Clinical Directors in hospitals should have a higher profile, and Ministers requested examples of how this could be achieved. It was noted that the post of the Chief Medical Officer was being redefined to provide greater leadership.
The final 2005 meeting of the Committee took place on 12 December. The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a paper which outlined the case for change for health services in the mid and west Wales region, which followed on from the launch of Designed for Life in May 2005. Consideration had been given to taking forward issues relating to secondary care re-configuration and the consequences for primary and intermediate care and as a result, the first regional configuration plan, Building Local, Safe and Sustainable Services for Mid and West Wales: the Case for Change, was launched on 20 October 2005. The document, which had been prepared by the NHS Trusts and Local Health Boards, was aimed at patients, carers, NHS staff and community leaders and outlined why change was needed to deliver safer and more effective health services. It was noted that the document had been well received. However, there were still some concerns in Pembrokeshire about local delivery
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The Minister for Health and Social Services introduced a further paper which set out how officials would engage with individuals from all sectors of mid and west Wales as a result of the publication of a Case for Change.A project board, consisting of Chairs, Medical Directors and Chief Executives of Trusts and Local Health Boards, together with Local Authority Leaders and Chief Executives, had been established to oversee the process. Members were keen to ensure that there was a distinction between the engagement and consultation phases of the process. To address this, regional stakeholder events had been planned for early January to engage with 350 key individuals, the results of which would inform a more formal consultation process, intended for February. It was noted that, although no decisions had been taken, there were concerns in the region that hospitals would either close or be down graded. Ministers agreed that this level of interest was positive and would provide a forum for open and frank discussion. It was agreed that officials should set out what new services would be made available in the region as a result of the reconfiguration.
From now on, health service reconfiguration becomes an issue all over Wales.