Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director Commissioning, Performance and Transformation

The Programme Manager - Commissioning, Performance and Transformation attended to provide members with an update on the Darlington Better Care Fund 2023/25 Programme for which quarterly submissions are required to be produced.

Members were informed that the Better Care Fund (BCF) Policy Framework sets out the Government’s priorities for 2023-25, including improving discharge, reducing the pressure on Urgent and Emergency Care and social care, supporting intermediate care, unpaid carers and housing adaptations. BCF encourages integration by requiring integrated care systems and local authorities to enter into pooled budget arrangements and agree an integrated spending plan.  It was highlighted that Darlington has remained compliant in order to qualify for funding with the Regional Better-Care Manager confirming that no issues were raised regarding Darlington’s submission.

Discussion was raised regarding the presentation of the submission with the Programme Manager confirming that templates for completion are standard across the country, but he will be present at future meetings to present BCF reports where required and that summary pages will be included going forward in order to highlight key areas of interest for members in a more easily digestible format alongside the standard national template.

RESOLVED – That members note the submission and reporting requirement of the programme and approve the Darlington 2023/25 Plan.

REASONS - The 2023/25 Plan has been endorsed by the Pooled Budget Partnership as part of the agreed governance arrangements and is required to be presented to Board Members.