Agenda item

Presentation of the Assistant Director – Adult Services

The Assistant Director Adults Services provided Members with a presentation on the Adult Social Care Reform Programme and the Fair Cost of Care Exercises.

In doing so, the Assistant Director Adults Services highlighted the key points of the Health and Care Act 2022, namely the Return of CQC assessment of council adults services, Secretary of state default powers in relation to Adult Social Care, Integrated care boards and integrated care partnerships, Mandatory learning disability and autism training, ad professional regulation.

The Assistant Director Adults Services outlined the key elements in terms of an Adult Social Care perspective, which included charging reform requirements, fair cost of care – market capacity and sustainability, the CQC Assurance Framework and Integrated Care Partnerships.

Members entered into discussion on the comparison between the fees paid by the Council and those paid by a self-funder; the scope of payments; how providers will adapt to the new regulation; the preparedness of Adult Social Care teams for inspection; whether the rate paid was reflective of inspection outcomes; and the provision of an easy-to-use crib sheet to direct new service users.

Discussion further ensued on whether the national funding for the reforms would cover the additional costs; the removal of the fine for delayed discharge; the recognition that there will be challenges, and that working in partnership will be beneficial; the linkages between staff retention and the rate of pay, and the influence local authorities can exert; and the support for prevention activities.  

RESOLVED – That the content of the presentation be noted.