Annual report on effectiveness of social services in the Vale published

Published 13 January 2012

The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s director of social services, Phil Evans, has published his second annual report on the effectiveness of social care services in the Vale and plans for improvement.

There is considerable evidence in the report to show that, over the past year, Vale of Glamorgan social services have again improved. This is demonstrated by what users and carers say, by achievements against key performance indicators and by measuring progress against the council's high expectations about meeting the needs of service users and carers.

The report also describes the formidable challenges which face the council - most obviously in finding ways to bridge the gap between the reducing resources available for social care and the year-on-year growth in costs – the result of population trends, increased expectations, changing family structures and increasing numbers of people with long standing and complex disabilities.

The evidence in the report demonstrates that the council’s social services have a good foundation upon which to build in responding to these challenges. The only sustainable answer in the longer-term is for the council and its partners to change the pattern of services - based upon an understanding that there is a need to promote independence and focus services away from institutional settings and into people’s homes and local communities. The Annual Report sets out the council’s new improvement actions for each service for completion this year.

Phil Evans, director of social services, said: "I believe that this is a very important report for the people of the Vale of Glamorgan. The report shows the strong foundations we have for social services, especially the dedication shown by our experienced and skilled staff. We can depend too upon good support from our partners, including the NHS, the voluntary sector and independent providers of services. The key messages in last year’s report have been used to create a comprehensive change plan that is now providing a clear direction for social services in the turbulent times ahead."

"To succeed, we will need consistent help from all those who want to see as many people possible who need support, helped by social services and their partners - children protected from neglect or abuse, people with disabilities enabled to enjoy a more fulfilled life or older people supported to maintain their independence in the face of the challenges posed by frailty, isolation or dementia-related illness."

Cllr Dorothy Turner, cabinet member for social care and health, said: "We all know the challenges that face us in the years ahead, especially given the exceptionally difficult financial context for all public services and the growth in demand for social care. However, the director’s report strikes a positive note and one which is realistic. It acknowledges that there are profound difficulties ahead but sets these against other factors - the many strengths within the council, the areas where plans for further improvement are having an impact and the clear direction for social services in the Vale of Glamorgan which is now in place".