To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 18 October 2010 and to note actions taken since that meeting.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Social Care, Health & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee held on 18 October 2010 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive from Members any declarations and the nature in relation to:-

(a)    personal interests in any agenda item

(b)    personal and prejudicial interests in any agenda item

(c)     any political whip in relation to any agenda item.

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

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman provided the Committee with the following information:- 

The Vice-Chairman provided an update from the Regional Conference where the SHA confirmed that from April 2011 there would be National Policy regarding National Trauma Centres.  Addenbrookes would be the hospital for this area.  If someone is within 45 minutes of Addenbrookes they will be taken there, if more than 45 minutes from Addenbrookes they will be stabilised at a local hospital and transferred as soon as possible.

The Chairman also noted the following:-

·        that a letter had been received from the Staff at Ludun works requesting assistance to allow the business to become self sufficient.  It was noted that the letter would be forwarded to the Executive for its consideration.

·        That the East of England Ambulance service was becoming a Foundation Trust and had circulated a consultation document.  It was agreed that the individual members of the Committee would respond rather than submit a joint response.

·        That a demonstration of the Telecare system had been given in Clophill and was excellent.  Members who had also attended found it very interesting and the range of technological solutions available impressive.  It was noted that the information about the service would be available on the website.

·        Members were reminded of the briefing to be held on 6 December 2010 on the Equity & Excellence NHS White Paper Briefing.  It was requested that everyone attend.

To receive verbal updates from the Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health and the Portfolio Holder for Housing.

The Chairman requested an update from each Portfolio Holder in attendance be provided to the Committee.

Cllr Mrs Carole Hegley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health provided Members with an update on key issues arising from her area of responsibility, these being:-

·        Further to the earlier mention of the telecare it was noted that the numbers using the service had doubled in the last year.

·        The budget strategy was available and was out to consultation.

·        Attended the Adult & Children’s Conference which had discussed the integration with NHS, variety of speakers on a range of topics and the notification that there would not be a formal CQC annual performance assessment in the future.

·        The Briefing on the White Paper to be held on 6 December 2010 will provide further clarity about GP consultation and changes in the NHS.

·        25 November 2010 – Accolades Award Event – CBC nominated for innovation award for caring.  Cllr Hegley will be attending.

·        18 January 2011 member training on safeguarding

·        CQC assessment remains embargoed until 24 November 2010, it will be reported to 7 December 2010 Executive meeting and the December meeting of this Committee.

Cllr Mrs Rita Drinkwater, Portfolio Holder for Housing provided Members with an update on key issues arising from her area of responsibility, these being:-

·        January 2011 – government to publish its proposals for the future of the HRA.

·        Visits had been carried out to extra care schemes including the McCarthy Stone Retirement development in Biggleswade and Rushton.

·        Also the Bedfordshire Pilgrims launched a very extra care scheme in partnership with St Johns.  Shared ownership with some social housing which appears to be successful. 

·        The demand on housing services has increased and the options service is working well. 

To receive petitions from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

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

To receive any questions, statements or deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 of part A4 of the Constitution.

The Chairman announced that no questions, statements or deputations had been received.

To consider any decision of the Executive referred to this Committee for review  in accordance with Procedure Rule 10.10 of Part D2.  

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

To consider any matter referred to the Committee at the request of a Member under Procedure Rule 3.1 of Part D2 of the Constitution.

The Chairman confirmed that no requests for agenda items had been received.

To receive a report enabling Members to assess all savings proposals for financial robustness and to consider the viability and suitability of specific proposals in the Social Care, Health and Housing Directorate.

The Committee received and considered a report which allowed the opportunity to assess all savings proposals for financial robustness and to have considered the viability and suitability of the specific proposals relating to the Social Care, Health and Housing Directorate.  The Executive at its meeting held on 2 November 2010 had approved for consultation at the proposals outlined in Appendices A and B which have been attached for consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and People informed the Committee that the Executive had considered the proposals in relation to a 25% reduction (£14.6m savings) over four years.  The savings would have been made up of £14.6m in 2010/11 from Appendix A and £4m from Appendix B.  Recently it has been learnt that the actual savings amount to be found was 28% over four years requiring around £20.6m for 2010/11.

The Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health acknowledged the work of officers to look at how to transform the existing services with as little loss as possible.  In addition, Ludun would be a special consideration due to the nature of the service.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing acknowledged the work which was required to harmonise the two Housing Needs services across the district.

SCHH6 – More effective deployment of council resources across the reablement service and extra care sheltered housing – Efficiency

The Director of Social Care, Health and Housing informed the Committee that the services currently being provided at the four sites were being reviewed for a more effective deployment of staff into the reablement services.  It was acknowledged that staff were concerned about their futures but briefings had been held with the staff and more sessions would be held shortly. 

It was noted that the press had misrepresented what was being considered by the Council and queries had been responded to. 

SCHH16 – Ludun – Service Reduction

The Chairman of the Ludun Trustees addressed the Committee to explain that the decisions which had been put forward for this area had not been made quickly but rather over seven months of detailed discussions.  It was noted that the service had originally been created to offer skills training to allow the vulnerable members of the community to train and move on to regular employment.  Regrettably this was not what had happened, some staff had been at Ludun for 25+years.  The Trustees were bound by the Terms of the Trust so that until the land is sold no help can be offered and with the current climate the sale of the land is not expected to happen quickly.  The staff have been spoken with over several months to help them understand what would be happening and where possible what help could be given.  It had also been noted that Luton Borough Council would no longer be contributing financially to the centre.  The Disability Resource Centre had also become involved in the process and were offering guidance on how best to go forward.  A petition  ...  view the full minutes text for item 200.

To receive an update on the programme for QIPP.

The Committee received and considered the report and presentation from NHS Bedfordshire which provided an overview of the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) National programme to improve quality and productivity in the NHS.

The NHS and the replacement GP consortia must manage a budget reduction of £107m between 2010 and 31 March 2014.  There were no plans to cut services but rather to deliver services in better ways.  It would only be achieved in partnership with key partners and stakeholders.  In addition public and patients engagement was essential.

A copy of the presentation which was given has been attached to these Minutes at Appendix A.

RESOLVED

that the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Production (QIPP) presentation be noted.

To receive the Consultation process, consultation response and next steps.

The Committee received and considered a report regarding the Healthier Communities Strategy which outlined the key priorities to improve health and wellbeing throughout Central Bedfordshire and to support and enable the priorities of the Sustainable Communities Strategy to be achieved.

The key strategies of the Healthier Communities Strategy were as follows:-

·        Ensure a healthy start to life

·        Reduce health inequalities and increase healthy life expectancy

·        Support people to have healthier lifestyles

·        Promote choice and access to high quality services based on needs and preference

·        Support and care for an ageing population and those who are most vulnerable.

The overarching Strategy would cover the period from 2010 – 2031 but has a delivery plan which cover a three year period of time and can be adjusted as required.

The Strategy had been developed in consultation with NHS Bedfordshire, Central Bedfordshire Council and partner organisations including the voluntary sector.

The draft Strategy had been considered by the Local Strategic Partnership in June 2010 and the Equality Forum in September 2010.

The consultation ran from 1 August 2010 to 22 October 2010, which was hosted on the Central Bedfordshire Council website.

The NHS confirmed that having reviewed all 3 to 5 year targets, these are still deliverable.  It was acknowledged that some targets may need to be directed at specific areas where problems are greater.

It was agreed that a refreshed version of the Outcome and Delivery Plans would be brought to a future meeting.

RESOLVED

that the Healthier Communities Strategy as the key strategic driver to improve the health and wellbeing of all residents of Central Bedfordshire and at the same time reducing inequalities be approved.

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 Graham Dinn of Bedfordshire LINk. 

The Committee noted that work was continuing through a ward working group in relation to hospital discharges and the processes which currently exist.

A questionnaire, similar to one used by Derbyshire LINk, would be issued to care homes regarding discharge assessments, medication, attire of residents and other relevant questions.

Bob Smith had resigned from the LINk and the Committee expressed their thanks to him for his work with Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED

that the report from LINk be noted.

To receive and consider the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee draft work programme for 2010 – 2011 and the Executive Forward Plan for the period 1 November 2010 – 31 October 2011.

Members considered the Committee’s work programme and noted that the following items would be considered at the 24 January 2010 meeting:-

Health White Paper “Equity and Excellence”

Health White Paper “Equity and Excellence” Implications of LINk – Health watch

RESOLVED

that a revised work programme be circulated to the Committee.

The next meeting of the committee will be held on 20 December 2010 in Room 15 at Priory House starting at 10.00am.

The next meeting of the Social Care, Health & Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be held on Monday 20 December 2010 in Room 15 at Priory House starting at 10.00a.m.