Agenda item

[NOTE: Cllr. K. Lloyd having earlier declared an interest in this item remained in the meeting for its consideration.  Cllr. Lloyd had received a dispensation from the Standards Committee to speak but not vote on specific matters relating to the Shared Lives Scheme.]

The Committee considered the Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report in relation to the Social Care and Health Service, which provided an update on the latest budgetary position as at 31^st October 2021 in respect of the 2021/22 financial year.

The Social Care & Health Service was projecting an overspend of £168K on the revenue budget and net variance of -£65K against the 2021/22 approved capital budget.

The Head of Financial Services advised the Committee that some areas showed significant variances compared to the budget set last February and that these variances were due to activities being impacted by the pandemic. The Committee was re-assured that performance continued to be monitored and emergency funding was being used in the best way to ensure that service delivery was maximised.

The following questions / observations were raised on the report:-

·         Concern was expressed that many service had not been provided during the pandemic yet the budget was still showing an overspend.

·         An explanation was sought regarding the capital expenditure for Cartref Cynnes. 

Officers advised that the money had been there since the beginning of the scheme and that it would be remain in the capital budget until the lease agreement with family housing had been signed.

·         It was asked if the reduction in double handed domiciliary care packages to 18% by the end of 2021/22 from 25.4% in 2018/19 was the best way forward. Concern was expressed that individuals and families would be negatively impacted because of this.

The Head of Integrated Services advised that a comprehensive review would be undertaken in conjunction with the provider and in conjunction with the individual and their family. More often than not, it would be a simple change such as the use of equipment which would enable an individual to be more independent as opposed to needing two people to support them.  It was stated that the Authority routinely reviewed double handed packages of care and looked at alternative options of providing the right equipment.  The reviews would normally be an occupational therapist led review and a reduction from double handed care would only be undertaken if it was considered safe to do so.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the reduction of the number of clients receiving domiciliary care packages of less than 5 hours a week in line with recommendations of Prof. Bolton.

The Head of Integrated Services advised that Prof. Bolton was considered an expert in his field and that he had written numerous academic papers around the principles of promoting independence.  It was stated that Prof Bolton had worked with Local Authorities and Health Boards across Wales, reviewing the way care packages were delivered to help reduce the dependency on care.  It was found that individuals receiving very small packages of care would not require care when small changes were made – such as the use of technology. In some instances, small changes could make the ultimate difference in someone being able to manage independently.

·         It was asked if the Authority was on target regarding the increase to the number of people with dementia receiving the Fulfilled Lives service.

The Head of Integrated advised that the Authority was on track to meet the target and was reviewing how the Fulfilled Lives service could be sustained going forward.

·         It was asked what the Bridging Service entailed.

Officers advised that this was a short-term domiciliary care service where care was provided immediately.  The short-term service provided the opportunity to assess needs before determining the longer-term package of care.

RESOLVED that the report be received.