The Service Manager, Substance Misuse presented the report which concerns funding for the reimbursement of prescription costs to Tower Hamlets CCG for treatment interventions for individuals who misuse drugs / alcohol; a service which is commissioned by the Council.  The Chair requested clarification and the Divisional Director, Legal Services confirmed that the payment was deemed to be a grant since the Council had discretion to make the award and the activity was not for profit.

The written comments of GSSC supporting the proposal were noted.

DECISION

1.    That an annual grant to THCCG to the value of £210k to fund drug costs associated with substance misuse treatment interventions for the duration of the current Reset contract with ELFT (due to end on 30^th October 2018 or 30^th October 2019 if the option to extend is exercised) be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community to approve risk share agreement between THCCG and LBTH.

3.    That it be noted that payment of the grant will be made in arrears at the end of the year in which expenditure was incurred. The first payment will therefore be for the contract year 31^st October 2016 to 30^th October 2017.

4.    That it be noted that in the coming year a review of grants would be undertaken to ensure that payments made as grants would be appropriately categorised and where appropriate eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.