Caring Operations Joint Action Council (COJAC)
| Title | Caring Operations Joint Action Council (COJAC) |
|---|---|
| Council Resource | Social Work |
| Service Area | Adult and Older People's services |
| Aims and Objectives | Whilst the report does not introduce a new, or recommend a change, to policy, function or strategy, it does propose a withdrawal of block funding. COJAC offers support to individuals and families affected by disability, providing service to both children and adults to build friendships with peers and participate in social activities. South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) currently provides the use of one bus which transports SLC service users to a weekly group session. The Quality Assurance and Commissioning Team have been reviewing services provided by organisations who do not currently have an up to date contract in place and are receiving block funding. The aim is to look at the service provided and identify if this links to the South Lanarkshire Strategic Commissioning Plan and Prioritisation Framework. The SLC Procurement Team confirm there is currently no formal written contract with COJAC but a contractual relationship with the current funding based on historical arrangements. SLC have historically provided grant funding to COJAC equating to £16,000 per annum and transport costs (reduced to £8,000 in Jan 2023). In reviewing COJAC, it has been identified this Glasgow based service is not funded by Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership. Any residents from Glasgow who wish to attend pay a subsidy of £8 per session, which SLC residents also pay in conjunction with block funding arrangements. The Self-Directed Support (Scotland) Act (2013) aims to secure better health and wellbeing outcomes and provide individuals with greater choice and control of their support. Budgets are allocated in line with SLC Prioritisation Framework to service users and carers to meet critical and substantial risks, therefore needs are met separately via this funding stream. COJAC meets low and moderate needs. |
| Conclusion | There is no evidence to indicate that the recommendation to withdraw block funding from the COJAC Service will have a detrimental impact on any of the specified equality groups. The changes have been devised in such a way that ongoing support is available via the offer of assessment, or the provision of SDS funding to individuals already assessed as having critical and substantial needs in line with the SLC Prioritisation Framework. This change recognises the commitment of the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership to tackle inequalities and tailor services to the needs and capabilities of individuals. |
| Completion date | 05-23 |
| Contact Email address | equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk |
| Area | Council Wide |