Agenda item

a)  Noted the reforms so far and their implications for Slough.

b)  That the Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board’s terms of reference be agreed.

c)  That officers provide a further report when guidance is received from the government on the relationship between the Health and Wellbeing Board, the Council’s Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny.

The Cabinet considered a report detailing the NHS and public health service changes which formed part of the Health and Social Care Bill, currently being considered by Parliament.  The report sought agreement to a Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board and its terms of reference. 

The Commissioner introduced the report and outlined the implications of the Bill for the local health system and the relationship between the system and local government.  The Bill in particular provided for: 

·  Abolition of PCTs and the establishment of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), led by GPs, to commission health services locally;

·  Transfer of responsibility for public health to local government;

·  Councils to establish Health and Wellbeing Boards.

The Director for Community and Wellbeing advised that £8.7m was being allocated to East Berkshire for public health and that this was an invaluable opportunity for the council to play a major part in influencing long term health outcomes for the community.  Members noted that some health professionals were opposed to various aspects of the proposals.  How the new system operated between partners and the Health and Wellbeing Board would have a significant impact on the strategic provision of services.  A holistic approach was needed between agencies and members noted that there was widespread commitment to making proposals work effectively and mitigating risks. 

Resolved –

(a)  Noted the reforms so far and their implications for Slough.

(b)  That the Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board’s terms of reference be agreed.

(c)  That officers provide a further report when guidance is received from the government on the relationship between the Health and Wellbeing Board, the Council’s Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny.