Written - Conwy Care and Repair

I wish to inform you about a decision I have recently made in relation to the Care & Repair agency in Conwy.  I have decided that the Assembly Government does not intend to make a further offer of funding to the agency after 31 March 2007.  In reaching my decision I have considered the matter in detail.  The origins of this issue go back to 2004-05 when an agency evaluation undertaken by Care & Repair Cymru showed that the Conwy agency’s performance had to be qualified because of the need for it to improve its operational management.  In November 2005 Conwy County Borough Council also expressed concern about aspects of the agency’s service, in particular the delays experienced by clients in progressing their Disabled Facilities Grants.  I have also taken account of a report dated August 2006 produced by Care & Repair Cymru following a caseload review of the agency.  A key role of Care & repair Cymru is to provide agency monitoring, evaluation and performance advice to the Assembly Government.

In considering the report produced by Care & Repair Cymru, I have been mindful of the serious operational and management failings that have been highlighted.  I have also considered the response made by Tŷ Glas Housing Society Ltd (who is responsible for the management of the agency staff) to the review who have accepted several of the key findings.

The findings have highlighted serious failings in a service whose overriding aim is to safeguard the interests of older, vulnerable people undertaking building work to their homes.  In view of such failings I have concluded that the current agency will not be supported financially by the Assembly Government after 31 March 2007.

Assembly Government funding to all Care and Repair agencies is for one financial year.  All agencies are aware of this policy and also condition 3 of the Assembly Government’s grant terms and conditions, which provides that the offer of grant funding in a financial year ‘shall not be deemed to imply any guarantee that grant will be awarded for the following year …’.

Our paramount concern is of course the provision of help and assistance to older people in the Conwy area.  My officials will be holding discussions with Care and Repair Cymru to establish a rescue service for existing clients who may wish to take advantage of this offer.  In due course, I would be pleased and expect to see an independent Care and Repair agency emerge within the county in partnership with the local authority, whose decision to sever its relationship with Conwy Care and Repair in August 2006, was also a relevant factor in my consideration.