Local Government is best placed to commission the full range of Social Service functions and respond to future challenges to ensure services are fit for the future. These are the key findings of a major Social Services report published today by the Independent Commission on Social Services in Wales.
‘From Vision to Action’ outlines the significant Social Services progress made in recent years and sets out the key challenges for the next 10 years, namely for local government ‘to lead a prioritised programme of change that will ensure services in the future respond to the challenges of our society.’
Cllr Meryl Gravell (Carmarthenshire), WLGA Spokesperson for Social Care said:
“I am delighted that the vast improvements and progress made by Social Services departments over recent years have been recognised. The ever increasing pressures on Social Services and the intense media attention it recieves can lead to a perception of crisis, when the reality is very different. Social Services teams work relentlessly to deliver improvements and to ensure that the most vulnerable people in their communities receive the help and support they need. We should be proud of our strengths and stop constantly focusing on challenges and I welcome the recognition in the report that this is not about fixing a broken system, but future proofing services to ensure they are able to meet the challenging times ahead. ”
“I am also very pleased to see that the political and professional leadership partnership has been recognised as the model for the future along with an integrated and holistic approach. The report emphasises the opportunities presented by collaboration and we have already identified opportunities for a range of collaboration at different levels and for different functions across Wales.”
Responding to a key recommendation outlined in the report, for core standards to be develped, Beverlea Frowen, Director for social services added:
“I welcome this recommendation as something the WLGA has long called for, we are already working constructively with partners to develop a portable common assesment process, which be the first in the UK, and led by Wales..”
