Agenda item

Report of Group Director of People

The Group Director of People submitted a report (previously circulated) updating Members on the progress of the 2021/22 Better Care Fund Programme.

It was reported that the Better Care Fund (BCF) was a programme spanning the NHS and Local Government which sought to join up health and care services; and that clinical commissioning groups and local government were required to agree a joint plan which was owned by the Health and Wellbeing Board.

It was stated that the 2021/22 BCF policy framework had been published on 18 August 2021 with minimal changes; publication of the planning guidance for the 2021/22 programme had been delayed and was published in early October; and details were provided of the priority areas of the Darlington Plan for 2021/22.

Details were also provided of the four national conditions for funding and the key metrics that the Plan should focus on; confirmation of funding for 2021/22 was still awaited; and the funding package was not new monies.

Members were informed that the planning guidance had been published and submission requirements confirmed in October; the draft Plan for Darlington was being developed and would be shared with Members for sign off by the deadline of 16 November.

Discussion ensued in respect of discharge planning and scenario planning; Members were assured that scenario planning was being undertaken for all schemes; this included funding implications and impact on services; and an update would be provided to a future meeting of this Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – (a) That the contents of the policy framework for 2021/22 be noted.

(b) That the delays in publication of the planning guidance be noted.

(c) That the draft Plan for Darlington be circulated to Members for comments.