To appoint a Vice Chairman to the Panel for the 2017/18 Municipal Year.

Cllr Mills nominated herself as Vice Chairman for the duration of the meeting, with the appointment of Vice Chairman to be revisited at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Cllr Ilyas and unanimously approved.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Hollingsworth, Diment and Lenton. Cllr Jones was attending as a substitute.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the Part I minutes of the meeting held on 17^th October 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on October 17^th 2017 were agreed as an accurate record.

To consider the report and make recommendations.

The Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care introduced the item and drew Members’ attention to the fact the Paper relating to the precept for Adult Social Care went to Cabinet in May. She stated that the three main areas for discussion related to fee increases, which were in line with inflation; the budget savings in relation to Adult Social Care; and Capital Bids relating to two residential care homes for adults with learning difficulties. Members were referred to Appendix C of the report for details on fee increases.

Regarding the four major areas where budget savings had been identified, the Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care said these were:

·         Improved commissioning of Best Interest Assessors, relating to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding legislation

·         Outcome-based commissioning, relating to the home care contract, which had been set at a fixed rate over the five year duration of the contract

·         Outcome-based commissioning efficiency savings, which helped incentivise residents to become more independent as a result of homecare intervention

·         Home care savings

Regarding the two care homes referred to under Capital Bids, the Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care informed Members that the two homes were in need of updating; however this would enable conversion from a traditional care home setting to more of a supported living environment.

Cllr Jones asked for further information on the figures that had led to the decision to increase the precept on Council Tax. Cllr Jones stated that, while it was widely acknowledged that demand in Adult Social Care had increased, it would be helpful to evidence the costs over the last few years and the growth expected within the report. She stated her belief that this would highlight the areas of increasing demand and therefore justify the increase on the precept.The Lead Member for Adult Services, Public Health and Communications explained that some of the reasons for the increase did not relate to demand areas, but agreed that statistics could be provided for the January Panel meeting.

Regarding the outcome-based efficiency savings, Cllr Jones asked for clarification over whether there was evidence to support the figures, or if they were projections. The Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care stated that the figures would remain stretched, due to an increase in the number of older people requiring services; an increased demand for allowing residents to live more independently; and due to the Council wanting to deliver a good quality service. However it was felt that the targets were deliverable. Monthly meetings were taking place to ensure the contract was properly monitored. Cllr Jones stated her belief that review reports on budget spending should be made available to the Panel. The Lead Member for Adult Services, Public Health and Communications informed Members that he had asked for review reports of this nature to be made available to him at Lead Member briefings, and was happy for the reports to also be considered by the Panel.

Regarding the item relating to Capital  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

To consider the report and make recommendations.

The Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care informed Members that there were ongoing pressures within Children’s Services, Housing, Visitor Management, Revenues and Benefits, Community Protection and Library and Resident Services. However it had been forecast that Adult Services was on budget.

Members indicated that they had no questions in relation to the Financial Update and the contents of the report were noted.