Dave Thomas: Your views still needed on what Torbay looks like in the future

Over the past two weeks I have been out and about spending time talking to you about Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Our consultation is still open, and we have received over 900 responses so far, which is great, but we really do want to hear from as many of you as possible.

We attended the very busy Babbacombe Fayre on Sunday August 10 where we had a busy day speaking with the public. On Wednesday August 12, along with the Chief Executive and the other Group Leaders, Councillor Swithin Long and Councillor Darren Cowell, we came together for a Public Meeting at The Scala in Brixham Town Hall.

We delivered a presentation and answered a range of questions the attendees had about LGR. We also attend Children’s Week on Paignton Green, which is always a popular event among locals and visitors.

I have also this week sat down and shared some answers in a video to some of the most frequently asked questions I have received while speaking with you. This will be available soon for you to watch on the Council’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. 

It covers answers to what our plans are to ensure that new housing developments remain affordable regardless of how we will be structured and what our strategy is for revitalising our town centres and harbour areas and will this remain a priority if Torbay becomes part of a wider unitary. 

As already mentioned, the consultation is still open so take part online on the council’s website – www.torbay.gov.uk, or pick up a paper copy from any of the libraries across the Bay.

Life is still going on, regardless of LGR, and we have also been preparing over the past couple of weeks for our Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care Services. This is starting at the beginning of September and will be a comprehensive inspection covering all aspects of Adult Social Care services in Torbay, 

In getting ready for this inspection, we recently published our second Adult Social Care Self-Assessment. This covers the financial year 2023/24 and is a holistic assessment of all Adult Social Care services in Torbay commissioned by Torbay Council (with support from NHS Devon) as part of the Integrated Care Partnership.

It includes services provided by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, local Care Homes and Domiciliary Care (at home) services, voluntary Sector services providing Adult Social Care Services and support for Carers and the Cared-for

I wanted to share what was in this assessment as this partnership delivers a lot of services to those in the Bay that needs the support. For example, Torbay’s Adult Social Care service received on average 1,742 contacts per month in that year. This led to the teams completing 2,555 assessments and developing 3,724 support plans.

710,244 hours of care in people’s homes were supported along with 779 residential or nursing placements. The Torbay Communities community helpline, community builders and community activities across the Bay have helped 1,692 people access advice, information and support.

The Torbay Communities helpline offers access to more than 100 voluntary and community sector organisations. 80 per cent of Torbay’s care homes are rated as outstanding or good.

The Learning Disabilities Partnership Board continues to drive improvements. And our Learning Disability and Autism Ambassadors have trained a total of 2,343 NHS staff in the Oliver McGowan approach which ensures health and social care staff have a better understanding of learning disabilities.

As Joe Teape, the Chief Executive, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said in a recent press release about this: “We have consistently worked together in delivering integrated health and social care across Torbay. The assessment outlines aspects of our joint working and the shared aim of improving outcomes for you and our communities.” 

We will continue to work together to respond to the changing needs of our population, with a focus on providing appropriate support in suitable settings.