To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2009.

RESOLVED

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Social Care Health & Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 December 2009 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman and any matters of communication.

The Chairman informed the Committee that:-

1.                  A letter had been received from the Sandy Town Council regarding the Mobile Breast Screening Unit.  Andrew Morgan agreed to inform the Committee of the recent developments during his update at item 9 on the agenda.  (Please see Minute No. SCHH/09/103).

2.                  The Chairman welcomed Ruth Featherstone and Pat Ford from the Older People Reference Group.

To receive petitions in accordance with the scheme of publication set out in Annex 2 of Part 4 of the Council’s Constitution.

The Chairman announced that no petitions had been referred to this meeting.

This is an oppurtunity for questions, statements and deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure set out in Section 4 of the Council’s Constitution.

The Chairman announced that no petitions had been referred to this meeting.

To consider proposals, if any, to deal with any item likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraph of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 prior to the exclusion of the press and public.

There was no Exempt Information to be disclosed.

To consider any matter referred to the Committee in relation to the calling in of a decision.

The Chairman announced that no call-ins had been referred to this Committee.

The Committee has been asked to consider the report of the Andrew Morgan, Chief Executive NHS Bedfordshire, which advises of the transition of Bedfordshire Community Health Services to the complete separation of the provider and commissioning parts of NHS Bedfordshire.

Mobile Breast Screening Unit

The Committee received a verbal update from the Chief Executive of NHS Bedfordshire in relation to the letter received from Sandy Town Council regarding the placement of the Breast Screening Unit.

The Chief Executive confirmed that he had been in contact with the MP Alistair Burt and a response from the PCT would be appearing in the Biggleswade Chronicle.  It was noted that valid logistical concerns had been raised regarding the placement of the mobile unit within the school grounds, access to the grounds and associated out of hours access.

The Chief Executive confirmed that NHS Bedfordshire had not considered the full implications of their decision.  They had not consulted properly nor had they looked for appropriate alternative sites.  The public were supportive of the proposed alternative approach to breast screening but felt that the process had not been carried out well.

It was noted that the screening method would be upgraded from analogue to digital.  The Chief Executive also suggested that the uptake in breast screening had increased since the change in the process and since moving the unit to Biggleswade.

NHS Bedfordshire has apologised for the inconvenience and the Chief Executive agreed to return after six months to provide the Committee with a further update.

Transitions of Beds Community Health Services

The Committee considered the report from Andrew Morgan, Chief Executive NHS Bedfordshire, which advised of the transition of Bedfordshire Community Health Services to the separation of the provider and commissioning of NHS Bedfordshire. 

It was noted that NHS Bedfordshire was a commissioner for health care with an annual budget of £600m of which £40m related to Bedfordshire Community Health Services (BCHS).  The Primary Care Trust (PCT) were the commissioning organisation.

The Chief Executive confirmed that a national review of PCT arrangements was ongoing.  Although the Government had confirmed that the review would be open competition provided the criterion was met.  In September 2009, the Health Secretary confirmed that the NHS should be the preferred provider.  The Chief Executive stated the PCT were at the expressions of interest stage of the review and offered the Committee the assurance that this would not affect the timescales shown at page 15 of the report.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the aspirations were to ‘deliver needs in ways convenient for people using the service’.  It would be challenging to improve the outcomes for people whilst not impacting on service delivery.

RESOLVED

1.            that the Chief Executive of NHS Bedfordshire provide the Social Care  Health and Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee with a progress report of the progress of the Breast Screening Unit at the coming September meeting.

2.            that the report of the Chief Executive of NHS Bedfordshire, including the parts which related to the Social Care Health and Housing directorate, be noted.

To receive an update from Bedfordshire LINk on local health matters influencing LINk activity as defined by the Health and Social Care Act 2001.

The Committee received an update from the Acting Chairman and Finance Officer which highlighted local health matters influencing LINk activity as defined by the Health and Social Care Act 2001.

Mr Smith informed the Committee that seven of the nine LINk Chairmen met to discuss the way forward in light of the proposed split in governance arrangements within Beds dues to take place.

Members requested a detailed distribution list for the LINk newsletter.  This was circulated by the Overview & Scrutiny Officer separately to Members.

Members also received an update from NHS Bedfordshire on the GP Out of Hours services in Central Bedfordshire.  A copy of the briefing paper was circulated to Members separately by the Overview & Scrutiny Officer.

RESOLVED

that the updates be noted.

To consider a presentation on this matter.

(Note: There is no report for consideration at this item.)

The Committee receive a presentation from David Jones, Assistant Director, Commissioning which provided an overview of ‘Transforming People’s Lives’ in particular that this would comprise of a series of reports detailing changes to care services and how the Council will progress these changes during the next 5 years.

The main points arising from the presentation included:

·              National research and local intelligence has shown that there is a high number of individuals who would prefer to hold responsibility for their own care needs.

·              Service users in receipt of complex care packages have informed the Council that current care and support needs on offer need to change to meet their individual needs.

·              Transforming People’s Lives emphasises providing service users with the power to choose and sustain the type of lifestyle they were used to.

·              The Putting People First Quadrant of inclusion illustrates the importance of all parts of public services having an important part to play in the process of empowering service user access to services these being:

o             Early Intervention and Prevention: incorporating information advice and guidance (IAG) informs service users about what is available for their individual needs and circumstances.  Specific requests for information and advice should assist with the Council commissioning services for the locality;

o             Choice and Control: ensuring services are provided in line with service user choice and is in line with their lifestyle

o             Social Capital: nominating an individual to assist with a range of care options, attempting to influence their care packages with a range of services that are specifically requested according to need.

·              The Customer Pathway: illustration of the customer journey, ensuring a ‘one’ stop shop service at the first point of contact.

The Committee watched a DVD which showed case studies of three different service users and how their lives had been assisted through the proposals offered through the Transformation of People’s Lives processes available to Councils.  The Director of Social Care, Health & Housing informed the Committee that whilst Central Bedfordshire Council was behind other Councils in starting the process, CBC was benefiting from the improvements tested by other Authorities and the Government.

Members asked a number of questions regarding possible additional costs and legal implications as a result of the new procedures for administering Personal Advisors.  Officers confirmed that costs were being reviewed with a view to keep any increase to the minimum.  (It was also noted that the Council’s Legal Team were assisting with the broad transformation but that the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) was being used as an additional resource to develop services.)

A copy of the presentation has been appended to the Minutes for reference.  The Customer Pathway slide (slide 4) had been circulated separately by the Overview & Scrutiny Officer in a larger format than the remainder of the presentation.

RESOLVED

that the presentation from the Transformation Project Manager, be received.

The purpose of this report is to gain approval from members for the proposed revision of the eligibility policy for adult social care services and to gain approval for a consultation process, which will contribute to making the judgement of where the threshold should be set.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Social Care & Health which was to gain approval from members for the proposed revision of the eligibility policy for adult social care services and to advise of the consultation process.  This would contribute to assessing the judgement of where the threshold should be set.

The Committee were informed that the current policy had been inherited from Bedfordshire County Council and the priority was to ensure it was fit for purpose and uses future proof for service users

The criterion detailed within the Eligibility Framework was graded into four bands which described the seriousness of the risk to independence or other consequences if needs were not met.  In addition it allows services to be set at one or more of the following bands:-

• Critical
• Substantial
• Moderate
• Low

The Director of Social Care, Health & Housing informed the Committee that it was Central Bedfordshire Council’s responsibility to revise the policy.  The review is necessary to ensure that the policy is fit for purpose in the context of the transformation of adult social care agenda.  Councils are required to set their eligibility criteria so that those with moderate needs that may become critical or substantial without the benefit of re-ablement / prevention services.

The Committee were requested to support the consultation considering the offer of moderate and low bands.  It was felt that the lowering of the band levels would not receive an adverse reaction from the consultees as this would actually expand the access to services.  A consultation event was being planned and there would be a survey on the website for completion.  The following link will take you to the survey

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations/Consultation-on-the-review-of-our-eligibility-criteria-for-adult-social-care.aspx

The revised policy would be reviewed after 6 months to determine any financial impact and that it is fit for purpose.

RESOLVED

1.                  that the proposed revision of the Eligibility Criteria for Adult Social Care, be noted.

2.                  that consultations with service users and their carers, residents of Central Bedfordshire and relevant statutory and voluntary agencies be conducted by Officers.

3.                  that the final draft of the policy be brought to the Social Care, Health & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting to be held on 2 March 2010.

The report provides Members with the draft Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy for 2010 – 2012.

The Committee considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Housing which provided a draft copy of the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy for 2010 – 2012.

The Head of Private Sector Housing Service informed the Committee that the objective of the Policy was to deliver the best use of resources based on the funding available.  One of the first priorities was to determine the current condition and affordability of the Council’s housing stock.

The Committee noted there were budget pressures and it would impact on the physical and corporate resources available.  The constraints placed on the process would mean that availability would be subject to financial solutions.

The Committee requested that officers review the payment of smaller types of assistance (up to £2,500).  The current approach allows those in receipt of this assistance not to have any repayment conditions.  In light of the financial climate the Council is currently facing, Members have requested that officers actively review the impact to the Council of the current approach for smaller types of assistance.  Members expressed the need to include a clause to state that the Council will consider reclaiming such monies and suggested this should be included within a specific policy refresh after 6 months of the policy being adopted. 

The Policy has a short lifespan for two years.  It was not recommended that a review would be carried out but rather that the Policy continues for its lifespan.

RESOLVED

1.                  that the content of the proposed Draft Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy be noted.

2.                  that the Executive be recommended to adopt the proposed Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy (with appropriate amendments) at its meeting to be held on 9 March 2010.

The report proposes the 2008 – 2009 annual assessment outcome by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for consideration by the Committee.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Social Care & Health which proposed the 2008 – 2009 annual assessment outcome by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for consideration by the Committee.

The Central Bedfordshire Executive at its meeting held on 8 December 2009, considered the annual assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which reviewed the performance of Bedfordshire County Council during the 2008 – 2009 period.  It was noted that a judgement about performance was not given to Central Bedfordshire Council because of the transition to unitary status.

The Recovery and Improvement approach was established by Central Bedfordshire Council and oversees the eleven key areas of concern: safeguarding, mental health services; carers; commissioning; managing the social care market and contract monitoring/management; workforce strategy; staffing arrangements; partnerships; performance management; budget and financial management.  It was noted that the Recovery Board meets on a six-monthly basis to ensure the delivery of the recovery agenda.  The CQC meet with the Director and her management team on a 6 weekly basis and monitor the recovery programme against the national adult social care outcomes these being:

• Improved health and well-being
• Improved quality of life
• Making a positive contribution
• Increased choice and control
• Freedom from discrimination and harassment
• Economic well-being
• Maintaining personal dignity and respect

The Director of Social Care, Health & Housing confirmed that they were making good progress and were on the way to meeting the requirements imposed by the recovery programme, although it was noted that the Council should not have unrealistic expectations about how quickly the services will improve.

The Committee thanked the Director for all of her work and issued good wishes for the work ahead.

RESOLVED

that the report of the Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health be noted.

The report proposes the draft budget Medium Term Financial Plan for 2010/11 to 2014/15 for consideration by the Committee.

Members’ attention is also drawn to the resolutions agreed by the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 10 December 2009, attached.

The Committee received the report of the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources which outlined the proposed draft budget Medium Term Financial Plan for 2010/11 and 2014/15 for consideration.

It was noted that the budget report should have been considered at the Social Care Health & Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled to be held on 7 January but was cancelled due to inclement weather.  Since that meeting it was noted that changes had been made to the budget and it was now in the public domain.  The Committee noted the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be forwarding a brief report to the Executive providing comments on the report.

The Director for Social Care Health & Housing and the Assistant Director, Financial Services informed the Committee that to enable a balanced budget for the Council all of the green and amber efficiency savings highlighted within the report would be implemented.  In addition a number of the red efficiencies would also be implemented.  The following were the red efficiencies:

• Reduction in demand for long term residential services due to reablement
• Review services commissioned through special grants
• Review of Welfare Rights Service
• Modernisation of day services for people with learning disabilities
• Review council contribution to special grant funded activities

The Committee did not feel any comments were required to the Executive.

RESOLVED

that the report of the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources, particularly those parts of it relating to the Social Care, Health & Housing directorate, be received.

The report provides Members with details of the currently drafted work programme following initial discussion of the subject at the last meeting.

The Committee noted the revised Work Programme and the additional matters which had been identified at this meeting for inclusion on it.  These included:

• Quarter 3 Budget & Performance Information
• CQC Performance Ratings for NHS Bedfordshire
• Draft Homelessness Strategy for 2010 – 2014
• Review of the Eligibility Criteria for Fairer Access to Care Services

RESOLVED

that the contents of the report be noted.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 4 March 2010 in Committee Room 1, The Council Offices, High Street North, Dunstable, Beds LU6 1LF.

The next meeting of the Committee would be held on 2 March 2010 at 10.00am.  Due to the change of the date of the March meeting, it was not possible to obtain a meeting room in Dunstable due to the ongoing building refurbishment.  Therefore the meeting will be held in Room 15, Priory House, Monks Walk, Shefford.