Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care.

The report outlines the 2023/24 fee setting recommendations for the most significant areas of externally commissioned services within Adult Social Care.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the fee setting approach, including fee uplifts, as detailed in the report.

Officer contact: Jon Wilkie on 07970 318461 or email: Jon.Wilkie@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the 2023/24 fee setting recommendations for the most significant areas of externally commissioned services within Adult Social Care.

It was commented that there were a number of inflationary pressures that contribute to increased costs within Adult Social Care not least of which was the cost of staff.  It was further noted that in this regard, many care homes and domiciliary care providers were in direct competition with the hospitality and retail sectors.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the fee setting approach, including fee uplifts as set out in the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Adult Services.

The report outlines the 2023/24 fee setting recommendations for the most significant areas of externally commissioned services within Adult Social Care.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note, comment and endorse the approach set out in this paper; prior to consideration Cabinet on 14 March 2023.

Officer contact: Jon Wilkie on 07970 318461 or email: Jon.Wilkie@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Adult Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the 2023/24 fee setting recommendations for the most significant areas of externally commissioned services within Adult Social Care.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was queried what steps were being taken to manage the risk of providers not paying their employees the Real Living Wage.

·         In response, it was commented that the risk was managed through the relationships with the providers and monitoring and where pay related issues were reported either by individuals or trade unions the service had discussed this issue with the provider which had rectified the issue.

·         It was queried how Stockport compared with neighbouring boroughs.

·         In response, it was noted that Stockport compared favourable with its neighbouring boroughs and the fees were in excess of that paid by other Local Authorities and the percentage uplift was in the region of other Local Authorities.

·         In response to a question if all council contacts stipulated the Real Living Wage, it was commented that all fees accommodated the Real Living Wage and whilst this could not be specified, there was an expectation that providers paid the Real Living Wage.

·         Members requested additional information in relation to the Human Resources impact.

·         In response, it was stated that there was a requirement that the council not only set the fees but understood the implications that it may which included the impact on the workforce required to deliver a sufficient supply and quality of care. Current actions that were being pursued to mitigate this risk included job fairs, robust training and supporting recruitment.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.