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Office of the Public Guardian Report

Published: 14/10/2020

Flintshire’s Cabinet members will be asked to note the positive content of the assurance visit feedback letter and assessment of the authority’s performance when they meet on Tuesday 20 October.

When an individual loses the capacity to manage their finances, another person can become a deputy to take responsibility for their financial affairs. In Flintshire, if there is nobody available or eligible, the local authority's receivership team can take on this role.

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) uses assurance visits to supervise and support professional and public authority deputies. This year’s assurance visit reviewed seven of the Council’s deputyship clients. 

The Council’s performance is measured against the four deputyship standards which are:

1. Secure the client’s finances and assets.

2. Gain insight into the client to make decisions in their best interests,

3. Maintain effective internal office processes and organisation.

4. Have the skills and knowledge to carry out duties of a deputy.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones, said:

“I am delighted to report that the visitors concluded that the Council has met all the standards.

“They noted more that the deputyship officers work closely with social workers to ensure the individual is supported to make their own decisions as much as possible and that best interest decisions were made on all information available from relevant parties.”