Agenda item

(10 mins presentation; 15 mins Member questions)

Mike Bibby (MB), Assistant Director, Personalisation, Commissioning and Partnerships, outlined a report and presentation setting out the draft Adult Social Care Strategy and seeking the Panel’s views.

The Panel noted that there were significant developments in the way that adult social care services would be delivered following the implementation of ‘Putting Me First’, the strategy for the implementation of personalised adult social care services in Slough. The type of services that would be  commissioned and the resulting contracts would need to support the delivery of more person-centred services.

MB advised that the draft Commissioning Strategy for Adult Social Care identified the key priorities for commissioning in coming years to support the delivery of ‘Putting Me First’. It was highlighted that the challenging financial climate and the reduction in resources available to local authorities made it more important than ever that robust, coordinated and effective commissioning arrangements were in place to ensure the availability of high quality and cost effective services which delivered  improved outcomes for residents while making the best use of available resources.

Commissioning of new services and the termination or extension of existing contracts would be carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance including the council’s constitution.  It was noted that contracts and service level agreements would  be put in place for all commissioned services. Commissioning priorities included the provision of advice and information across all care groups and respite for carers.  Delivering the strategy would involve a complex programme of work over the next two years and there would be a significant impact on current provider organisations as the range of services commissioned would change. There would also be changes to the nature of contracts for service provision.

The Officer highlighted that the Council would promote, develop and commission care and support that was flexible and responded to the needs and risks of the most vulnerable residents. There would be no workforce implications for the Council arising from the implementation of the commissioning strategy as the necessary work would be undertaken within  existing staffing arrangements.  It was noted that the local authority commissioned services from a range of provider agencies in the private, voluntary and community sectors to deliver adult social care services.  The type of services that would be commissioned and the resulting contracts would need to change to support the delivery of more person-centred services.

It was anticipated that the major part of the programme would be delivered in the next 18 months, with completion by April 2012.  As many of the Councils contracts would normally expire in the next year, it would be necessary for some existing contracts to be extended while new arrangements were put in place in line with the detailed programme.

The Commissioning Strategy would be presented to Cabinet in October 2010 with a recommendation that Cabinet resolve to agree the identified priorities and the commissioning and tendering of these services. 

In the ensuing debate Members raised a number of comments / questions as follows (responses in italics):-

• A Member commented that it was important that the strategy provided the right service and this should not be determined by economy only.

The Officer acknowledged this view and accepted that the quality of service must be met and business would not be done with companies who did not provide this.

• Would there be costs incurred when moving from the old system to the new?

Services had been commissioned for some time now and this included the provision of nursing care through spot contracts. There would be no start up costs as the commissioning team was already in place. The programme would take 2 years to put in place and priorities would be addressed in bite size chunks.

• Were discussions with Voluntary Organisations progressing well to achieve a 4% reduction in funding?

Negotiations were progressing well and contact had been made with all such organisations.  Responses were awaited from some. A Member attending under Rule 30 reported that she had received feedback from voluntary organisations who had said that the process was being carried out in a fair way.

• Had there been any problems in negotiating contracts with block purchase organisations?

It was possible that there would be some problems but it was hoped that the majority of organisations would work with the Council.

The Panel congratulated the Officer for his comprehensive report.

Resolved-  That the report be noted and that the Panel endorse the draft commissioning strategy and recommend that it be approved by  Cabinet.