Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 10 December 2020 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.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

There were no call-in items to consider.

To receive a verbal update from the CEO, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

Karen James (CEO, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust) provided a verbal update on the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

Karen James informed the Committee of the following: -

·         The impact of Covid-19 on hospital services and patients with Covid and other conditions is important, there has been a reduction in patients attending the emergency departments since the first wave for urgent and planned care.

·         There has been a campaign that has been launched to get those patients back into the hospital to seek the care they need.

·         Currently in wave 3 and have had to cancel a lot of patients relating to general meds and critical care and routine planned procedures has had to be stopped as well.

·         Cancer care patients are still being treated and those with urgent treatment from a surgical perspective was also ongoing.

·         Working with Greater Manchester to respond as a system to treat cancer patients.

·         Patients on waiting lists are constantly being contacted and a clinical review has been conducted, so there is no deterioration.

·         There has been an impact on the workforce following wave 1 and 2 and it has affected staff taking leave.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·         Members paid tribute to the NHS workforce and care staff for everything that has been done since March 2020.

·         Clarification was sought on the impact of discharging vulnerable patients. In response, it was stated that patients were being discharged properly and staff in social care were working really hard to discharge patients appropriately. All precautions were being taking including other family members.

·         Members enquired about the experience of pregnant women accessing services through the hub and bringing partners to maternity appointments. In response, it was noted that it was a sensitive matter and national guidance had changed, but partners can attend at the 20 weeks scan and at the 12 weeks scan it has been facilitated to ensure safety and also birthing partners can now attend the maternity ward.

·         What was being by the hospital to encourage people to attend the hospital and how was the Council working with GPs to monitor the patients who have missed appointments.

·         It was stated that patients were being contacted regularly remotely and being monitored remotely by telephone consultations. Patients were being prioritised by GPs through a ‘shielding’ list and were proactively contacting patients who were vulnerable or had missed appointments.

·         The hospital has become the vaccination hub in Stockport with over 16,000 health and social care staff and it has been successful.

·         The Trust has been working closely with the Council and there has been integrated working and systems across the teams to promote greater integration.

·         There are also national plans to move to a more integrated care system and to work collectively for the aspirations and ambitions to meet the health and wellbeing of the Stockport population.

·         The integrated system has a clear strategy while working with partners to achieve the outcomes including the third and primary care sector with a clear vision and strategy in place.

·         Stockport is landlocked in the hospital environment but work has been ongoing with local residents to resolve some of the issues and also working with the local authority at exploring park and ride options and staff capacity through working from home as an option.

·         Given the recent CQC report that required the Trust to make improvements and the current Covid-19 situation have steps been taken towards the improvements. In response, it was stated that systems and processes were being looked at closely, the clinical teams were extremely good and work is underway to support the teams effectively and to harness their enthusiasm.

RESOLVED – (1) That the update be noted.

(2) That Karen James be thanked and the NHS and Care staff be thanked for all their efforts.

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

The report sets out the proposed disposal of Bredbury Civic Hall to Mosscare St. Vincent’s (member of Stockport Housing Partnership) for the development of a residential facility for people with a learning disability.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Ian Keyte on 0161 217 6907 or email: ian.keyte@stockport.gov.uk

The Director for Adult Social Care and the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the proposed disposal of Bredbury Civic Hall to Mosscare St. Vincent’s (member of Stockport Housing Partnership) for the development of a residential facility for people with a learning disability.

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

Members expressed their gratitude for the building being brought back into use to provide independent living for the disabled community.

It was reported that the community and ward councillors welcomed the development and were pleased with the independent living.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) & Interim Director Health and Adult Social Care (DASS).

The report outlines the 2021/22 fee setting recommendations for the most significant areas of externally commissioned services within Adult Social Care.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to provide comment on the approach and proposed fee increases for 2021/22.

Officer contact: Vincent Fraga, 0161-474-4401, vincent.fraga@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) & Director for Adult Social Care submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the 2021/22 fee setting recommendations for the most significant areas of externally commissioned services within Adult Social Care.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:- 

·         The Committee expressed its thanks to the care home staff and the entire framework of Council staff for the last 12 months.

·         Members enquired about the ongoing issues with recruitment and staff referred to in the report. In response, it was stated that over the last 11 months it has been stable with good retention levels but the challenges will continue throughout the pandemic, however, ongoing work was underway with colleagues across Greater Manchester and ‘skills for care’ regarding recruitment and job retention.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the external market for care and support and the total uplift of £2.7m with regards to the budget. In response, it was noted that the external market referenced how the Council compared services that it provided e.g. contractual or the framework around council business. The £2.7m has been factored into the financial pressures which is additional investment into adult social care.

·         Regarding the uplifts, could reassurance be provided that it would not impact the service users and if it was, would there be help. In response, it was commented that regarding any fees or charges to service users it would always be means tested with often a nil charge to service users.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The Stockport Mental health response to COVID-19 summarises the Stockport response to date to protect public mental health and prevent suicides. 

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Judith Strobl (Locum Consultant in Public Health), 0161 474 2535, judith.strobl@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the Stockport response to date to protect public mental health and prevent suicides.  

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

Members expressed their thanks for the report and the level of detail included in the leaflets and the work that has gone into the support for Stockport residents.

The Committee were informed that the team would continue to push as hard as possible to support those people who have struggled during the pandemic but also to get back to face to face consultations for those at greater risk including treatment.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Devolution and the Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

This report covers how partners across Stockport have approached the development of a shared borough plan, including an overview of the insight which has informed the development of the priorities, and introduces a draft borough plan for scrutiny comment and consideration. The draft plan is being shared with all scrutiny committees and comment is invited on the whole plan however to support discussions Table 1 indicates where borough plan priorities more directly relate to the remit of this committee. The draft plan is also accompanied by a full engagement report (Appendix 1) and an equality impact assessment (Appendix 2).

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 474 3014 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk   

The Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Devolution and the Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance submitted report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing how partners across Stockport have approached the development of a shared borough plan, including an overview of the insight which has informed the development of the priorities, and introduces a draft borough plan for scrutiny comment and consideration.

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

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Covid-19 has had a negative impact on deprived communities across the borough having already experienced health inequalities, but has work already started on the One Health Plan. In response, it was stated that work was already underway to link the strategies and develop it further.

·         People are keen to see what happens once it launches as a project across the borough.

·         The action points reflecting the areas of activity in the plan was welcomed as it provided information that has been fed through the Area Committee consultation.

·         It is important to bring everyone along across Stockport with the plan whether they are on board or not, but feel engaged through the process.

·         Communicating the plan in the community is also important by building on the strengths that already exist through the unique experiences and the things that would unite the borough.

·         It should be noted that one of the main priorities was to address inequalities to improve the health and wellbeing of the residents in the borough.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The clean air update report provides an update on the  recent consultation on the proposed measures and the next phase of work including understanding the implications of Covid 19.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on Tel: 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk   

The Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the  recent consultation on the proposed measures and the next phase of work including understanding the implications of Covid-19.  

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

The Committee were informed that the road leading to ‘Snake Pass’ would now be included in the area as part of the changes to the approach.

It was commented that there were concerns relating to the content of the report and the possibility of it being a tax in the future. In response, it was stated that there was strict guidance to create the charges and the timeframes involved including the start and finish periods.

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 Health and Wellbeing Board. 

The Board 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 planned agenda items for the Scrutiny Committee’s next meeting and any relevant Forward Plan items.  

The Chair informed the Committee that the dates for the Joint Scrutiny Review with the Corporate, Resources Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee would be circulated.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.   

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of part of Agenda Item 12 – ‘St. Thomas’s Gardens’ which contains information ‘not for publication’ by virtue of Category 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person ‘including the authority)’ as set out in the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED - That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority) and information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the exempt information in the ‘not for publication’ appendices for agenda item 12 – ‘St. Thomas’ Gardens’ should it be necessary for the Scrutiny Committee to consider and comment on these aspects of the report.

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

This report provides an update on the progress to date in bringing forward the redevelopment of St Thomas’ Gardens, in particular the Academy of Living Well, and seeks approval for the Council to commit to the next stage of design and construction.

(NOTE: The report contains ‘not for publication’ appendices that have been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Paul Richards on 0161-474-2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress to date in bringing forward the redevelopment of St Thomas’ Gardens, in particular the Academy of Living Well, and seeking approval for the Council to commit to the next stage of design and construction.

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

Members commented about the principles underlying the scheme being positive and how attractive the scheme looked with the social housing.

It was confirmed that the Academy included the physical environment of the scheme and formed part of the campus promoting the intergenerational living with carbon neutrality offering a different option for its residents.

The Committee were informed that consultation was in its early stages and would involve a number of organisations including key stakeholders, the Clinical Commissioning Group, the Foundation Trust and a wider consultation with the voluntary sector to co-produce the designs for people living on the site.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.