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 Bids, the Chairman asked for clarification on how the changes to the care homes would be paid for. The Head of Commissioning – Adults and Children informed Members that funding had been sought through a grant for NHS England, although the Council had not yet been informed if the application had been successful. Further funding, if necessary, could also be sought from the Homes and Communities Agency and/or the Better Care Fund. The Head of Commissioning – Adults and Children stated that it was hoped confirmation of whether the NHS England application had been successful would be given shortly.

The Chairman noted that the report summary stated that the Adult Social Care levies had fully supported the rising cost of caring for a growing number of elderly residents over the last two years, and asked how it was envisaged demands would continue to be met in the future. The Deputy Director – Health and Adult Social Care said that a rise in the number of people living longer, and an increase in people having more complex needs, had been a long-term forecast. She said that work had taken place to secure nursing placements and the care market, and to review the domiciliary care contract. Members were informed that the Adult Social Care team had worked closely with the Healthcare team to ensure appropriate levels of monitoring, and that links had been established with care homes and GP surgeries in order to inform patients about remaining as residents within their communities for longer. The Chairman asked if the levies could be increased further in the future. The Lead Member for Adult Services, Public Health and Communications stated that levies were currently at their maximum level, and stated his belief that there needed to be a national debate on how Adult Social Care could be financed and made sustainable in the future.

The Chairman noted that almost all of the proposed increases were in line with the Retail Price Index.

The contents of the report was noted by Members.