Agenda item

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 information relating to “excess winter deaths” be shared with the Committee.