Agenda item

The Cabinet report provided an update on the recent developments in adult social care, both locally and nationally, and plans for the next period. The report included updates on several recent developments in April, including the Next Steps to put People at the Heart of Care government white paper and the findings of the Hewitt Review into Integrated Care Systems. An update on the current position of adult social care services in Buckinghamshire was provided.   

RESOLVED – 

That the latest developments in relation to adult social care both locally and nationally be NOTED.

The Cabinet report provided an update on the recent developments in adult social care, both locally and nationally, and plans for the next period. The report included updates on several recent developments in April, including the Next Steps to put People at the Heart of Care government white paper and the findings of the Hewitt Review into Integrated Care Systems. An update on the current position of adult social care services in Buckinghamshire was provided.  

The Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing referred to a number of issues in the report such as social care charging reforms, liberty protection safeguards, mental health reforms, Care Quality Commission assurance, national workforce challenges, the new Integrated Care System, Better Care Fund and Spending Plan, Better Lives Strategy, demand for social care and performance. Like Children’s Services the Service Area was being proactive and undertaking a transformation exercise and was facing an increase in demand and more complex cases. With an increase in demand from older people the Council were trying to support people living as independently as they could. They were also working closely with hospitals on discharge arrangements. They were also preparing for a CQC Inspection which was likely to go ahead in the near future. 

During discussion the following points were noted :-

·       In terms of financial performance, the service area was currently overspent but putting in mitigation measures. A question was asked about whether there were any financial concerns in the future. The Cabinet Member reported that she was confident as she could be in the circumstances and robust measures had been put in place with the transformation programme. However, there were significant financial challenges in the future. The Service area was currently getting 3,500 referrals a week with an increased ageing population and people with learning disabilities. There was also the cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressures.

·       Living independently was crucial to resident’s self-esteem and there was concern about managing future demand. The Cabinet Member reported that the work of the Health and Wellbeing Board was crucial in terms of making sure people lived independently to improve their self-esteem and mental health. Funding was also available to adapt accommodation if necessary and also provide supported living and intermediate care. The Corporate Director also mentioned that extra care played a huge role and also the importance of working closely with housing.

·       Reference was made to digitalisation – improved self-service options for residents who chose these channels and improved digital “backroom” processes to improve efficiency, especially greater automation of financial processes. The Social Care White Paper committed to accelerating the adoption of technology, however the Corporate Director reported that the White Paper was quite high level, and the Service area were waiting for further policy papers and for a funding announcement although in reality what was actually received by the Council was usually lower than expected. There was a workstream committed to this area.

·       The CQC Framework has now been published so the Council could be inspected at any time. The Service area were undertaking a detailed self-assessment on how areas could be improved and having regular sessions with staff. This would continue to be developed including working with key partnership boards. This was well supported through the Better Lives Strategy, looking at risk assessments and challenges around the workforce.

RESOLVED – 

That the latest developments in relation to adult social care both locally and nationally be NOTED.