Agenda and minutes

On behalf of the Committee the Chair: -

·         Thanked the Councillors who had served on the Committee for 2020/2021 and expressed the Committee’s gratitude for all their hard work including the Joint Scrutiny Review that was held and for their contributions to the final report.

·         Welcomed the new and returning members to the Committee for 2021/22 and was looking forward to working with the Committee and the continued scrutiny and holding the Cabinet to account.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 15 April 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

There were no call-in items to consider.

The Director of Adult Social Care provided a verbal update to the Committee relating to the Covid-19 Pandemic Update.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health (Councillor Jude Wells) attended the meeting to respond to members’ questions and provided an update on the Covid-19 pandemic and steps being taken as lockdown measures were being lifted.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Members expressed its thanks to everyone involved from the Council and across the borough including volunteers for their ongoing work and commitment to the vaccination programme across Stockport.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the vaccines for the 21+ year olds regarding the location and criteria. In response, it was stated that eligibility for the vaccine was as broad as possible with the first vaccine dose being made available for the 21+ year olds and the vaccine for the 18 and overs being made available for those with any underlying health problems or carers or those working in the adult social care & health industry. The second dose can be taken after 8 weeks for those over the age of 50 and for those under 50 the second dose can be taken after 12 weeks.

·         It was commented that there were outbreaks reported in secondary schools and there was a drive to reduce the infections in the community and to promote the infection prevention control measures (hands, face, space & fresh air) to bring the community levels down which would assist the secondary school infection rate.

·         It was noted that Public Health were waiting on the Joint Committee for Vaccination & Immunisation to announce any rollout to the younger age group.

·         It was commented that once the type of vaccine was confirmed for pregnant women, the response rate in Stockport was rapid and provisions were made in a number of locations to book pregnant women for vaccines.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted and thanks be expressed to all the team for their hard work and support.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive. 

The report provides a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects since the final update report, with a focus on the fourth quarter of the year (January to March). It includes out-turn performance and financial data (where this is available) for the Portfolio, along with updates on the portfolio savings programme

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·         Consider the Annual Portfolio Performance and Resource Report;

·         Review the progress against delivering key projects, priority outcomes, targets and budgets for 2017/18;

·         Highlight key areas of and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any performance or resource issues;

·         Highlight any significant issues or changes to be fed back to the Cabinet alongside the Corporate Performance and Resource Report;

·         Identify how areas of strong performance and good practice can be shared in other services.

Officer contact: Peter Owston, Strategy and Performance Manager (CSS)

peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk   (0161 474 3274)

Paul Graham, CSS Manager (Specialist) Finance

paul.graham@stockport.gov.uk   (0161 474 4674)

The Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects since the final update report, with a focus on the fourth quarter of the year (January to March). It includes out-turn performance and financial data (where this is available) for the Portfolio, along with updates on the portfolio savings programme.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health (Councillor Jude Wells) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Clarification was sought regarding the quality of the care market and how many places were affected and the proportion of the overall provision. In response, it was stated that the CQC continued to carry out inspections during the pandemic with three care homes ratings being downgraded. It was noted that just over 18 months ago around 93% of care homes were rated either good or outstanding with one care home being rated ‘inadequate’ following the changes to the CQC regime. It was also stated that around 18% required improvements so work has been ongoing with these care homes to focus efforts to improve management processes of files and administration of medication and casework.

·         It was commented that the work done to date by the Council and its partners has been outstanding and Public Health has been great with sharing key messages in the community.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the Community Champions Programme and the Mutual Aids Groups and the £650k grant. In response, it was stated that the Community Champions grant has been overseen by the Outbreak Board and the Community Advisory Board with the funding broken down in a number of funding streams e.g. infrastructure, micro-grants (up to £1,000), medium grant fund (up to £20k) and health messaging.

·         It was noted that diabetes was not a trivial condition and should be taken seriously and continued messaging to Stockport residents was encouraged regarding physical activity across the borough where there were many paths and parks to visit.

·         Clarification was sought regarding what was being done to improve life expectancy in the most affluent and most deprived areas of Stockport. In response, it was stated that there has been a drop in the life expectancy across the borough since the pandemic, which mirrors national trend, but a number of things have been identified through the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) including cardiovascular, heart disease and cancer which are the areas where a lot more focus is required.

·         The Committee expressed its thanks to everyone involved in the Social Care and Health sectors across the borough during these difficult times.

·         It was noted that the description of the front door team was welcomed and moving away from the call centre which would serve people in the community who need it most.

·         Concern was expressed regarding Priority Three – Early Intervention, Living Safely and Ageing Well and the communication with SEND parents and moving from the EHCP to adulthood and the care plan stopping at age 18.

·         Additional information was requested relating to the NHS Breast Screening Programme and its reduction in capacity and the programme.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the ‘excess winter deaths’ and the percentages in 2018/19 following a reduction to 4%. In response, it was stated that the information would be checked and shared with the Committee.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the ‘liquid logic system’ and the issues that were identified. In response, it was noted that the ‘liquid logic system’ implementation was around the same time as the pandemic which made it difficult, but the Council was committed to do it. It has gone really well, with a few issues regarding extracting the information, but these issues are being worked through.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive. 

Policy priorities for 2021/22 were set out within the Council Plan, which was adopted at the Budget Council Meeting in February. This incorporates the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet.  

These priorities, re-shaped to take account of One Stockport and Building Back Better (building on Covid19), are articulated within the Portfolio Agreements, which form the basis for regular in-year reporting. Portfolio and Corporate Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs and CPRRs) will assess progress against key objectives, priorities, outcomes and budgets, enabling Scrutiny Committees to hold the Cabinet to account and for the Cabinet to identify current and future risks to delivery. 

This report presents the draft 2021/22 Agreements for the Citizen Focus and Engagement and Resources, Commissioning and Governance Portfolios for consideration and comment by the Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to review and comment on the draft Portfolio Agreements.

Officer contact: Peter Owston, Strategy and Performance Manager (CSS)

peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk   (0161 474 3274)

Paul Graham, CSS Manager (Specialist) Finance

paul.graham@stockport.gov.uk   (0161 474 4674)

The Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the draft 2020/21 agreements for the Citizen Focus and Engagement and Resources, Commissioning and Governance portfolios for consideration by the Scrutiny Committee.

The agreements articulated the policy priorities for 2021/22 that were set out within the adopted Council Plan , incorporating the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet. These priorities, re-shaped to take account of One Stockport and Building Back Better (building on Covid19), are articulated within the Portfolio Agreements, which form the basis for regular in-year reporting.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health (Councillor Jude Wells) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         It was commented that sport and physical activity was a key part of prevention and remaining active and engaging with the older and younger people was vital to mental health and it was recommended that a report on Active Communities be submitted to a future meeting. It was noted that the Active Community Strategy was due to be submitted to the September meeting.

·         Clarification was sought regarding Priority Three – Developing our Reporting Capabilities and ‘reducing failure demand’. In response, it was stated that it related to the communication of the right information to the right service e.g. referrals.

·         Clarification was sought regarding Priority Three – Prospectus of All Age Living and the ‘Amazon of Things’. In response, it was stated that it referred to building on the positive things that people could do and not the negative things. Looking at the strengths in the way people live in their own homes and having access to a plethora of things, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

RESOLVED: (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Active Communities Strategy be submitted to a future meeting.

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The report outlines the proposed approach to the re-commissioning of the Integrated Sexual Health service in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:-

·         note the report and provide feedback on the proposals;

·         endorse the progress of the tender process for the Sexual & Reproductive Health Service on the basis outlined in the report;

·         note that subject to approval to go out to tender, the approval to award the contract is delegated to the Director of Public Health in line with her duties in terms of managing the Council’s Public Health functions and delegation to enter into contracts.

Officer contact: Jennifer Connolly, 0161 474 2442, Jennifer.connolly@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the proposed approach to the re-commissioning of the Integrated Sexual Health service in Stockport.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health (Councillor Jude Wells) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Clarification was sought regarding paragraph 6.5 of the report and the reference to “reducing unintended pregnancies, terminations and under-18 conception”. In response, it was stated that the reference was to targets and indicators and not to influence a person’s decision making, but rather to improve access to contraception and preventative behaviours and actions and support people.

·         It was commented that regarding paragraph 6.3 and 6.4, reference to ‘menopause’ support, advice and help was missing which every woman would experience and the support was lacking. It was noted that the information would be fed back to the development of the contract.

·         It was noted that there used to be a programme for students in Sixth Form relating to abortion, contraception & sexually transmitted diseases and clarification was sought regarding whether this programme continued. In response, it was stated that the programme was part of the curriculum and now started at a younger age and was built through the school years.

·         It was noted that there were changes to the re-commissioning and re-tendering processes and clarification was sought regarding how it would affect staff. In response, it was stated that it would be dependent on the outcome of the re-commissioning exercise and the provider.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Adult Social Services.

The report details the system review of the Council's approach to Prevention and Early Help, by providing a cohesive all age offer. The offer for adults builds on the previous work undertaken with the voluntary sector and other partners in 2014. Fundamental to this work is to create the right conditions to allow us to work together with communities, partners and others to promote and enable independence, wellbeing and quality of life for our residents.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to:

·         note the contents of this report and provide comment/feedback;

·         endorse the recommendation to Cabinet to proceed to the procurement stage for this commissioning exercise; and

·         endorse the recommendation to Cabinet to agree that approval to award the contracts upon completion of the procurement exercises is delegated to the Director of Adult Social Care (DASS) or for Public Health specific contracts to the Director of Public Health. 

Officer contact: Vincent Fraga, 0161 474 4401,  vincent.fraga@stockport.gov.uk, or Alison Leigh, alison.leigh@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the system review of the Council's approach to Prevention and Early Help, by providing a cohesive all age offer with the offer for adults building on the previous work undertaken with the voluntary sector and other partners in 2014. Fundamental to this work is to create the right conditions to allow us to work together with communities, partners and

others to promote and enable independence, wellbeing and quality of life for our residents

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health (Councillor Jude Wells) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         The Committee welcomed the report and the joined up and collaborated approach.

·         It was commented that regarding paragraph 3.1 and the reference to ‘technology and digital inclusion’ that not everyone wants technology and some are not even bothered, but these people should not be missing out on accessing health services. Could something be done to engage with these people and making it easier for them to access services either face to face or over the phone.

·         It was noted that some generations don’t engage with technology and multiple routes were being looked at to access services. Screening services would be adopted to work with people at their own pace and it was understood that ‘one size does not fit all’ as it was not just an online presence but to be as inclusive as possible.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance).   

The report provides the Forward Plan of agenda items for future meetings of the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee.

The Committee is asked to consider and note the report.     

Officer contact: Charles Yankiah, 0161 474 3206, charles.yankiah@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and any relevant Forward Plan items.

The Chair commented on the report and welcomed the number of agenda items and invited guests that had been considered by the Scrutiny Committee over the last year and invited the Committee to propose agenda items for the Forward Plan for the new municipal year.

The following agenda items were proposed: -

·         Integrated Care System

·         Maternity Services – Stockport Maternity Voices Partnership

·         Access to Health Services

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance) be recommended to programme the following items into the Scrutiny Committee’s work programme for the 2021/22 Municipal Year:

·         Integrated Care Systems

·         Maternity Services – Stockport Maternity Voices Partnership

·         Access to Health Services