To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Lenton and Mills. Cllr Dr Evans was attending as a substitute.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest received.

To approve the part I minutes of the meeting held on 14^th November 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on November 14^th 2017 were agreed as an accurate record.

Arising from the minutes, Cllr Hollingsworth asked if statistics relating to the service areas of increasing demand, and reports relating to reviews on spending, were available. It was agreed that these would be circulated separately to Members.

Arising from the minutes, Cllr Diment asked if the grant bid had been successful. The Head of Commissioning – Adults and Children stated that the grant for £500,000 which had been applied for through NHS England had been successful.

To appoint a Vice Chairman for the remainder of the 2017-18 municipal year.

The Chairman nominated Cllr Diment as Vice Chairman of the Panel. This was seconded by Cllr Hollingsworth and unanimously agreed by members.

To consider the report.

The Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care introduced the item and explained that the Council budget for 2018/19 would ensure delivery of the services most valued by residents, helping to transform the Borough over the next ten years. Outlining the items of note relating to Adult Services, the Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care explained that:

·         The budget was based on a 1.95% increase to council tax; however this would mean Royal Borough residents would have the lowest council tax outside London

·         A three per cent precept for Adult Social Care would enable additional funding for older people and residents with special needs

·         The Council would make an additional investment within the budget to go over and above the £6.4million figure that had already been set aside for Adult Social Care

·         The budget would enable the Council to make savings of £5.4million, enabling council tax to remain low while improvements were made to the services that residents value

·         High quality and sustainable Adult Social Care services; continued expansion of schools; home to school transport for pupils with special needs and families on low incomes; and temporary accommodation for homeless residents had all been identified as particular needs

·         A further precept for Adult Social Care had been made available to local authorities. The total levy of six per cent had been accepted and would be invested in supporting vulnerable adults.

Regarding the table in the presentation slides about the projected net borrowing up to 2025, it was noted that no key explaining the figures was available. However Members were informed that a major Capital Investment programme of £6.8million had been agreed. It was agreed that an updated version of the table would be circulated to Members.

Members were informed that the demographic figures taken into consideration when setting the budget related specifically to the Royal Borough rather than the national average. The statistics took into account information held by the Council; for example adults with learning difficulties who were not currently reliant on Adult Social Care, but may soon be in a position where they were, which would impact on spending within Adult Social Care.

The Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care informed Members that some fee increases were being funded from the Improved Better Care Fund Grant. Partners in the health and voluntary sectors had agreed that an increased need to help support people living at home for longer had been identified as a key area for further investment. Improving delays in people leaving hospital had also been identified as requiring investment, and a number of projects to assist people in leaving hospital more easily were in the pipeline. A bid had been made for the provision of a social worker to work exclusively with self-funders in order to facilitate more manageable hospital departures. Enhancing services to dementia patients also required further investment.

Cllr Dr Evans queried why there was no reference to the Accountable Care Organisation in the report, as the Council was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.