RESOLVED:

1.                    That the report and recommendations (attached in Appendix A to the Cabinet report) arising from the scrutiny review of Tackling Loneliness in Merton be noted.

2.                    That the implementation of the recommendations through an action plan being drawn up by officers working with relevant local partner organisations and Cabinet Member(s) to be designated by Cabinet be agreed.

3.                    That the action plan be submitted to the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel for consideration, with no prior approval by Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health introduced the report, stressing the importance of the topic and its implications for vulnerable residents.  He welcomed the contribution made by the Task Group.

The Director of Community and Health advised that this presented a unique opportunity to work with the Borough’s vibrant Third Sector.  The Director of Public Health welcomed the initiative of the Task Group and advised that the recommendations were framed around a positive outcome of increasing the feeling of connectedness through social prescribing.

Councillor Sally Kenny, Chair of the Task Group, presented the report, highlighting the role of Councillors in tackling loneliness in Merton and the current action being taken to address the issue.

RESOLVED:

1.                    That the report and recommendations (attached in Appendix A to the Cabinet report) arising from the scrutiny review of Tackling Loneliness in Merton be noted.

2.                    That the implementation of the recommendations through an action plan being drawn up by officers working with relevant local partner organisations and Cabinet Member(s) to be designated by Cabinet be agreed.

3.                    That the action plan be submitted to the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel for consideration, with no prior approval by Cabinet.