Decision details

Committee to consider the referred Member’s item referred from

from Policy and Resources Committee 28 June 2016.

The Chairman introduced the report, which provided the Committee with a briefing note in relation to the authorities’ roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding in retirement homes and sheltered housing.

The Committee noted that as the Council does not purchase retirement or sheltered accommodation, it does not have any right of entry or powers to oversee, inspect or intervene unless safeguarding concerns have been raised in respect to an individual resident.

A Member questioned when “Enter and View” reports, which are undertaken by Healthwatch Barnet can be carried out.  The Chairman invited Mike Rich, the Head of Healthwatch Barnet who was in attendance, to the table.  Mr. Rich informed the Committee that “Enter and View” powers only enable Healthwatch representatives to go into residential care home and health settings if at least one person is funded via the public purse.  The Committee noted that Healthwatch Barnet has done some engagement in such settings as blocks of residential flats where there are shared lounges, but that the access granted had been done so on a voluntarily basis and was focussed on other care services provided there.  The Committee noted that Healthwatch would never expect to look into people’s homes. 

During the consideration of this item, Councillor Claire Farrier declared a non-pecuniary interest by virtue of living in retirement housing. 

RESOLVED that the Committee note the report.