Agenda item

To submit a report the Interim Head of Adults Services.

 Submitted – a report by the Interim Head of Adults’ Services. 

The Leader with responsibility for Social Services reported that the pilot scheme – learning disabilities sets out the priority for both the County Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board for the initial 12 months period to set up a project in an experimental model of pooled budgets.  The pilot scheme is aimed to ensure that best use of funds, across the local authority and the health board will be used to make timely decisions in the day to day care and support for Learning Disabilities clients. The pilot scheme will have the added benefit of supporting the delivery of the North Wales Social Services and Wellbeing Improvement Collaborative Integration Agreement under Part 9 of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014.

The Interim Head of Adults’ Services reported that it is an ongoing challenge to balance the needs of citizens within the financial allocation, but the pilot scheme, supported by a Section 33 agreement, highlights clear integrated planning.   She noted that there are 36 jointly funded care packages for individuals who live within supported living which are incorporated into Phase 1 of the pilot scheme. She noted that this links to the supported living tendering process.  It has been agreed that the full amount for the pooled budget will be transferred by April 2021 and that the management and administration of the budget will be carried out by the Authority as the host organisation.  An independent evaluation of the pilot will be carried out by IPC in order to ascertain the success or otherwise of the project.  The current total spend for the Health Board and the Local Authority is currently:-

·      Health Board                    -           £1,346,723.81

·      Local Authority                -           £1,819,478.06

She further reiterated that this is a Phase 1 pilot for 12 months and an external evaluation of the pilot scheme will decide how to move forward after the 12 months period and the Regional Partnership Board will evaluate the progress of the scheme with quarterly report submitted to the Board.   

The Committee considered the report and made the following points:-

·           Questions raised as to how the signing of the Section 33 Agreement will manage any possible risks to the Council of introducing a pooled budget.  The Interim Head of Adults’ Services responded that the funding from both the local authority and health board will not be increased and the Section 33 Agreement stipulates that neither organisation can withdraw financial commitment during the Phase 1 period of the agreement;

·           Questions raised whether a similar scheme has taken place within any other local authority in Wales or England and whether lessons can be learnt from such schemes.  The Service Manager – Learning Disability and Mental Health responded that a visit was arranged to Manchester to listen to their partnership board when consideration was undertaken in respect of initial discussion as regards to pooled budgets.  She noted that the pooled budget initiative partnership in the Manchester areas was extensive with 10 local authorities, health board, CCG which commissions the health authority in England incorporated into the pooled budget scheme and it was evident that it was necessary to evaluate the progress of the scheme in phases;

·           Questions raised as to what added value will derive from taking part in the pilot pooled budget scheme.  The Interim Head of Adults’ Services responded that the pooled budget scheme will give assurance that the resources are in place and can be managed as to how the funding will be spent.  She noted that it will allow Officer’s to gauge and gain overview of the value for money aspect of the scheme and whether the services afforded are adequate for the clients;

·           Reference were made whether there will be an effect on the services to the 36 individuals who receive the support through the supported living scheme and whether their families are aware of the pilot scheme.  The Service Manager – Learning Disability and Mental Health responded that the 36 individuals will not see any change to the services provided but it is hoped that decisions as regards to required services can be afforded speedily to the service users.  She further noted that the families of the individuals are aware of the scheme.

It was RESOLVED to recommend to the Executive the approval of the piloting of a pooled fund between the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in a staged approach for the existing supported living budget for adults with learning disabilities residents in Anglesey who are currently jointly funded. 

ACTION : As noted above.