Issue - meetings

Resolved: the committee thanked the independent Chair for his evidence, noted the report, and agreed to refer its views to Mayor and Cabinet.

Professor Michael Preston-Shoot (Independent Chair, LSAB) introduced report. There was a discussion and the following key points were noted:

1.1  It was noted that the number of safeguarding cases in Lewisham is lower than elsewhere in London.

1.2  The number of safeguarding cases varies across London. The key points are whether all organisations and services in Lewisham that should be are notifying adult safeguarding of concerns, and whether the triaging that takes place after this is effective.

1.3  A recent independent audit of Lewisham’s triage process concluded that it was one of the best. The independent Chair has also been impressed by the standard of section 42 enquiries carried out by social workers.

1.4  It is difficult to assess whether the number of adult safeguarding notifications of concern is more or less than it should be. Lewisham has significant challenges around disability, poverty and other form of social exclusion, but it is difficult to gather evidence of cases that should have been notified

1.5  The impact of cuts and funding reductions on adult safeguarding was discussed and it was noted that austerity has had an impact on frontline services. The independent auditor of Lewisham’s adult safeguarding process was satisfied, however, that the Council had not added any additional access criteria in response to workload pressures.

1.6  The committee discussed adult safeguarding in relation to “county lines” drug trafficking and the “cuckooing” of vulnerable people’s homes for drug dealing.

1.7  It was noted that while “county lines” drug trafficking is often a child safeguarding issue, the safeguarding adults board must hold agencies to account for what they are doing when children involved reach the age of 18 and may be trying to escape. The independent Chair noted that it is an issue that Lewisham and other London boroughs need get up to speed on quickly.

1.8  The committee asked about the distribution of information explaining who to get in touch with if you have an adult safeguarding concern. It was noted that this information should be available in every public location in Lewisham, as well as information about the different types of abuse and neglect.

1.9  In relation to unregistered providers, the safeguarding adults board continues to seek reassurances that adult social care and partner agencies are aware of the issue and are making sure, as far as regulations allow, that the quality of accommodation is adequate. 

Resolved: the committee thanked the independent Chair for his evidence, noted the report, and agreed to refer its views to Mayor and Cabinet.