Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 23 September 2022 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.

To consider a report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (GM ICS - Stockport) and Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) (SMBC).

The report provides an update on the financial performance of the Better Care Fund (BCF) as at 31 December 2022 (Quarter 3).

The Board are recommended to note the finance performance of the BCF as at 31 December 2022 (Quarter 3).

Officer contact: Paul Graham on 0161 474 4674 or email: paul.graham@stockport.gov.uk 

A representative of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (GM ICS - Stockport) and Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) (SMBC) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided an update on the financial performance of the Better Care Fund (BCF) as at 31 December 2022 (Quarter 3).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was commented that the bi-weekly reporting of expenditure and activity requirement of the Adult Social Care Discharge Fund was intensive and queried whether there was an option to complete this cumulatively.

·         In response, it was stated that the bi-weekly return involved a cumulative spend to expenditure position for the financial year and activity data for the specified period. Additional staffing intensive resources were required to collate the position within the locality to capture the information in terms of what had been spent cumulatively for the financial year and what activity benefits were driven as a result.

·         Welcomed the ability to carry over the underspend to the next quarter.

·         It was commented that the one off, non-recurrent grant funding did not allow for the permanent staffing appointments which were required.

·         Thanked officers for a comprehensive report and welcomed the plans to ensure that the funds were being used in the best way possible.

RESOLVED – That the financial performance of the Better Care Fund as at 31 December 2022 (Quarter 3) be noted.

To consider a report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (CCG) and Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) (SMBC).

The report outlines the Better Care Fund (BCF) End of Year Return 2021/22 and provides an update on the finance performance of the BCF as at 31 March 2022 (Quarter 4).

The Board are recommended to approve the 2021/22 BCF End of Year Return and note the finance performance of the BCF as at 31 March 2022 (Quarter 4).

Officer contact: Paul Graham on 0161 474 4674 or email: paul.graham@stockport.gov.uk 

A representative of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (GM ICS - Stockport) and Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) (SMBC) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Better Care Fund (BCF) End of Year Return 2021/22 and provides an update on the finance performance of the BCF as at 31 March 2022 (Quarter 4).

It was commented that the reported provided confirmation that the national conditions had been met as the spend plan had been agreed by the Health & Wellbeing Board, contribution to adult social care had been maintained, NHS commissioned out of hospital services had been invested in and a plan for improving outcomes for people discharged from hospital was crucial. Members welcomed the innovative approach applied to the use of capital in support of the Academy of Living Well recognising the challenges of inflationary pressures.

RESOLVED – (1) That the 2021/22 Better Care Fund End of Year Return be approved.

(2) That the financial performance of the Better Care Fund as at 31 March 2022 (Quarter 4) be noted.