The Sub-Committee received a presentation on the Better Care Fund (BCF) to provide (i) a timely update of recent actions relating to the BCF which will include an overview of the considerations and outcome of the Borough’s internal BCF review, updating on proposed and future changes to the BCF (including areas for future integration); and (ii) an update on changes made to our recently submitted 2021-22 Better Care Fund plan and associated Section 75. A summary of the questions and feedback provided is outlined below:

v  Noted that in terms of how people navigate the disabled facilities grant system, I think one of the ways in which we are trying to do that is through the Tower Hamlets connect which serves as an access point to Adult Social Care services in the Borough that help residents to live an independent, healthy, and fulfilling life.  It provides free, independent, quality-assured information, advice and advocacy across health, social care, and social welfare to resolve issues and to prevent or delay any needs or problems from getting worse.  However, the Council have recognised in the review that was undertaken earlier in the year that there is work to be undertaken around the Disabled Facilities Grant and how that is used and how better use could be made of the Grant such as the prioritisation of high risk care packages and fast tracking of adaptations for people and having a real focus on getting that money spent e.g. putting in a handrail on the stairs; building a ramp up to afront door or bigger works like stair-lifts or showers.

v  Noted that the council is committed to making disabled facilities grant available to all eligible owner-occupiers, tenants, and property owners, so that disabled residents can remain safe and independent in their own homes.

v  Noted that when people have finished with equipment they can be collected and the recycling rate of equipment is good and the Council does well in terms of people being able to give back equipment that they no longer need, and that being used again where it is appropriate for other people.

v  Noted that all Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) will be merged across their integrated care system (ICS) boundaries by April 2022, as part of proposed changes to legislation designed to hand ICSs the direct commissioning power.  It will also create a ‘single pot’ of funding, bringing together CCG commissioning and primary care budgets along with other funding allocated to systems.

v  Noted that a briefing paper could be prepared for the Sub-Committee on the proposals about what it means for Tower Hamlets.

v  Noted that the Health and Well-Being Board will be asked to approve the Better Care Fund Plan for 2021-22 as part the NHS England Assurance process and due to the late issuing of guidance and scheduling of Health and Wellbeing Boards this year this will be a retrospective approval (due to the plan having been submitted from assurance on the 16th of November 2021). However,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

DECISION

1.    To agree to the Council entering into a joint agreement with Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, under Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006, to give formal (retrospective) effect to the 2019-20 Better Care Fund Plan and programme and delegate the Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community the power to authorise the execution of the S75 agreement and any related documents

2.    To approve the draft Section 75 agreement attached as Appendix 1 to this report and agree that any final amendments to the Section 75 agreement should be delegated to the Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community, following consultation with the Corporate Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer;

3.    To agree to delegate to the Corporate Director, Health, Adults & Community the authority to make amendments and enter into subsequent Better Care Fund Section 75 agreements for a period of five years from 2020/2021 including the power to authorise the execution of any of the relevant S75 agreements and any other related documents. Formal delegation will end on 31^st March 2025.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Director of Integrated Commissioning (W. Tomsett)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, introduced the report. The report set out joint arrangements with the Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group. It covered services such as hospital social workers, support and guidance for older people connected with many grass-roots organisations and the council’s carer services. This shows how important it is for health and care services to work closely together. Great work was being done to support residents through this fund.

The Mayor welcomed the report and the highlights on the good work that was being done. He noted that in future these decisions could be decided under officer delegated powers. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree to the Council entering into a joint agreement with Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, under Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006, to give formal (retrospective) effect to the 2019-20 Better Care Fund Plan and programme and delegate the Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community the power to authorise the execution of the S75 agreement and any related documents

2.    To approve the draft Section 75 agreement attached as Appendix 1 to this report and agree that any final amendments to the Section 75 agreement should be delegated to the Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community, following consultation with the Corporate Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer;

3.    To agree to delegate to the Corporate Director, Health, Adults & Community the authority to make amendments and enter into subsequent Better Care Fund Section 75 agreements for a period of five years from 2020/2021 including the power to authorise the execution of any of the relevant S75 agreements and any other related documents. Formal delegation will end on 31^st March 2025.