Agenda item

A report was considered that updated Members on the in-year adult social care budget, future budget plans and the progress of the implementation of the reform programme.

An overspend of approximately £0.6m was projected for 2015/16 primarily due to the slippage on the delivery of savings and the increasing demand and complexity of needs of individuals.  Efficiency savings of £2.714m would be delivered during the current year with further planned savings of £5.14m to be delivered by March 2019 as part of the reform programme.  In addition to the major reductions in the government grant for local authorities in recent years, the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement had brought forward further reductions and this would put pressure on service budgets.  The Government had announced that local authorities could introduce a new precept of 2% on Council Tax (in addition to the existing 2% referendum cap), providing this was used to support adult social care.  If introduced in Slough, this would raise circa £0.9m and would be considered as part of the budget setting process.  The Panel asked a number of questions about how the precept would operate and how it could be demonstrated that the additional revenue would support adult social care.  It was noted that further detail of how the scheme would work was awaited and the Members would be provided with further information when available.

The Panel also noted that a further £1.5bn nationally had been announced for the Better Care Fund from 2018-19 although the detail of this was not yet known.  Details of the main savings in adult social care up to 2019 and progress on implementing the portfolio of projects in the reform programme were summarised.  The Panel highlighted the importance of ensuring the necessary controls and procedures were in place to provide assurance that the Council met the standards required by the Care Act despite the funding reductions.  The Panel were informed that the delivery of the reform programme incorporated the Care Act requirements and the authority would remain compliant with statutory requirements after implementing the proposed savings proposed.

Members asked what approach was being taken to balance the competing pressures of rising demand, a relatively unhealthy population and budget reductions.  It was responded that a system wide approach was needed and the reform programme had been designed to address these pressures.  A more preventative approach would be taken to delay or avoid care needs, however, it was recognised that implementing the programme would be challenging.  The level of budget reductions was unprecedented and involved carefully renegotiating contracts and recommissioning such as the new community and voluntary sector SPACE alliance. 

The possibility of further devolution of social care in the future and potential funding opportunities was raised.  The devolution deal in Manchester was being observed by local authorities across the country and the department were exploring any additional funding opportunities such as Smart Cities.  The Panel discussed the status and options for introducing new technology, for example to promote flexible working for staff, and it was noted that a pilot had taken place and all available options had been reviewed in making a recommendation that would meet the future needs of the service.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Panel noted the report.

Resolved –

(a)  That the financial position facing the Adult Social Care service and progress being made in the reform programme be noted.

(b)  That the Panel receive further information on the mechanism of the option for the Council to introduce a 2% Adult Social Care precept on the Council Tax.