Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 February 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to the correction ‘Sue Carroll (Healthwatch Stockport)’ in the list of attendees for the meeting.

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 31st March 2023 (Quarter 4).

The Board are recommended to note the finance performance of the BCF as at 31st March 2023 (Quarter 4).  

Officer contact: Paul Graham on 07866999882 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 31st March 2023 (Quarter 4).

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Members thanked officers for their work in light of the tight deadlines around the adult social care discharge fund and a comprehensive report and commended the service on their robust financial management of the Better Care Fund.

·         Welcomed the progress made in relation to the Stockport Road accommodation as an opportunity to support people with complex needs within Stockport.  

·         Commented on the importance to ensure funding was in place for the work in relation to St Thomas’.

·         Members also acknowledged the importance of the partnership arrangements and integrated and co-ordinated working to ensure that residents got the services that are required in a timely way.

·         It was commented that the underspend within the report was within the areas and services that keep people in their own homes and in the context of winter which was a challenging time for the NHS and social care colleagues; and noted the importance of continuous challenge to spend the fund in the best possible way to deliver the results.

·         In response, it was stated that feedback had been provided within the evaluation of the spending of the discharge fund, that one of the problems of the discharge fund was that it could only be used for discharge and not Step Up which was key to prevention work. It was also noted that work was underway and continuing to utilise the Home First approach.

RESOLVED – That the financial performance of the Better Care Fund as at 31 March 2023 (Quarter 4) 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 2022/23 and provides an update on the finance performance of the BCF as at 31 March 2023 (Quarter 4).

The Board are recommended to approve the 2022/23 BCF End of Year Return and note the finance performance of the BCF as at 31 March 2023 (Quarter 4).

Officer contact: Paul Graham on 07866999882 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 2022/23.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Thanked officers for the report and the level of detail provided.

·         Acknowledged the two key successes relating to the joint commissioning of health and social care and strong system of governance and system leadership which evidenced the commitment of the local authority and partners involved.

·         Commented on the importance of the reference to the successes and the ongoing challenges.

RESOLVED – That the 2022/23 Better Care Fund End of Year Return be agreed.