Agenda and minutes

In the absence of Councillor Haines, the meeting was chaired by Councillor Ford.

To sign the Minutes of the meeting of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Committee held on 20 April 2018. (to follow)

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 April 2018 were noted.

Confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 April 2018, previously circulated.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 April 2018 were approved and signed by the Chairman, subject to the addition of Councillor Eden having been noted as attending the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

Robert Hawken, Engagement Officer and Co-Chair of the Devon Learning Disability Partnership Board, and Sophie Holmes, the Senior Commissioning Officer and Co-Chair of the Devon Learning Disability Partnership Board will attend to make a presentation on citizenship.

Robert Hawken, Engagement Officer and Co-Chair of the Devon Learning Disability Partnership Board and Sophie Holmes, the Senior Commissioning Officer and Co-Chair of the Devon Learning Disability Partnership Board made a joint presentation on citizenship. They spoke about the work of the Board in partnership with stakeholders and its support of the challenges faced by adults with a learning disability to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives with the same opportunities as everyone else. The presentation included details of the seven key themes around citizenship as well as details of a web site for more general information on welfare of –

·           Purpose

·           Friendships and Relationships Freedom

·           Money

·           Home 

·           Help

·           Life

·         www.centreforwelfarereform.org  a free on-line resource from The Centre of Welfare Reform Limited

Robert Hawken referred to the importance of understanding the challenges that people with learning and other disabilities have. He detailed the numbers of people with a Learning Disability in Devon, which was estimated to be 14,720. Of that number, approximately 3,238 people with a learning disability were known to services, although that did not mean they were all receiving services from Devon County Council.   He added that, of the overall number, 11,482 people with a learning disability living in Devon rely on being able to access Universal Services in their communities to live their life, but that being able to access community life was really important to their long term independence and wellbeing and reduce the need for a call on the statutory services.

Mr Hawken explained that following changes to the Disability Living Allowance that he was offered a position by Devon County Council as an engagement officer, as well as holding a position as a Co-Chair of the Devon Learning Disability Partnership Board.  He explained that the job had enabled him to earn his own money, gain new skills, make new friends and have a sense of purpose. He finished the presentation by stating that Citizenship was for everyone, it was about celebrating the differences being a member of the community enabling all to fulfil their potential in life.

Sophie Holmes responded to Members’ questions -

·         the impact of important welfare reforms, meant that many more people were now in a position where they had to gain employment. It was important that the right environment and conditions were in place, with employers acknowledging the need for resources as, well as in some cases, a change of culture.

·         there were more opportunities for learning, along with a focus on employers across Devon as part of a five year Strategy including consideration of apprenticeships for individuals with learning disabilities with ongoing dialogue with other large employers as well as regular engagement with Job Centre Plus, all with a view to assist individuals with disabilities gain experience in the workforce.  It was important to encourage as many businesses to get on board and Devon County Council were already leading by example.

·         there was a need to ensure there was adequate employment support available in the towns and also more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 437.

Resolved – The Committee noted the Executive Forward Plan.

to identify any areas of work for future meetings of the Committee.

It was noted that the Chairman would liaise with officers to ensure there were items for future meetings. 

Councillor Hook referred to the previous Executive and the discussion regarding the monitoring of the use of single use plastics when it was suggested that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee form a working group.  Councillor Ford suggested that an overview be presented to the June Committee to understand the issues around this important topic. This would have the benefit of informing the future work of the proposed Working Review Group.  

The Work Programme for the remainder of the year was noted.