Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Trueman and Sharp and also from Councillor Lamb.

At this point Members must declare whether they have an interest, whether personal or prejudicial, in any of the items on the agenda. Members must also declare if they are subject to their party group whip in relation to any items under consideration.

There were no declarations of interest from Members of the Panel.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2008 were approved as a true and accurate record.

To receive an update report

The Panel received a report advising on the decision of the Cabinet regarding the long-term organisational model for Peterborough Community Services.

Members were advised that the NHS Peterborough Board had decided to support the recommendations for the future role of Peterborough Community Services subject to Cabinet approval; Cabinet had met and the work to progress the project would continue as no call-ins had been received.

ACTION AGREED

To note the report.

To consider and comment upon the Executive’s proposals for the 2009/10 budget, including the Draft Annual Accountability Agreement.

The Panel received a report outlining the proposed budget for 2009/10 and Medium Term Financial Strategy to 2011/12 to which Scrutiny and Scrutiny Panels had been invited to make comment.  The purpose of this report was to review aspects of these proposals relevant to the functions and remit of this Panel.  Any observations would be included in a report back to Cabinet on 2 February 2009.  The Panel was asked to comment on the draft budget 2009/10 and medium term financial plan to 2011/12 in so far as it related to the remit of the Panel.

The Panel was advised of the loss of income that the Council had endured and would continue to do so in the coming year totalling up to a £4m fall in income.  Members were advised that government spending had not increased to off set the loss but efficiency savings had contributed to the ability of the council to cope with the fall in income.

The Panel received a further draft report detailing the sixth Annual Accountability Agreement produced in accordance with the Partnership Agreement between Peterborough City Council and the former Greater Peterborough Primary Care Partnership (now NHS Peterborough – the local Primary Care Trust – PCT). 

Observations and questions were raised and responses given including:

·         More cost effective staffing arrangements for temporary staff in the adult social care service and the development of a ‘talent pool’ of temporary staff would contribute to savings of £750k.

·         There will be no change to the eligibility criteria to receive adult social care.

·         Stanground is an area that is being looked at for improvement in Care Home provision.  There will be improvements made to all Council owned care homes across Peterborough.

·         The government is looking at introducing personal budgets for long term health care provision.  Pilot schemes for this will be started soon.

·         An estimated 52,000 people in Peterborough suffering from long term health conditions is a correct figure.

·         The NHS 5 year plan outlines the goals and systems that will tackle the 8 main causes of hospitalisation in Peterborough.

·         Lots of work is done with Children’s Services to access young carers and assess their needs.  Each carer’s needs are individually assessed and support tailored to them.  A range of professionals are involved in providing support.

·         There will be no service cuts in adult social care as savings have been identified.  The £750k saving is only a small proportion of the total adult social care budget.

·         Mechanisms are in place and patients will be engaged in many ways to ensure a patient-led service.

·         There are around 50 care placements outside Peterborough but would have to confirm this figure.  There are various reasons for this including the availability of specialised care.

Members raised concerns regarding the rise in charges for sports facilities as this could contradict efforts to get more people to be healthy.  A report was requested to be brought back to the Panel in one year to determine whether fewer people had used  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider and comment on the annual review letter on Adult Social Care performance from the Commission for Social Care Inspections (CSCI).

The Panel received a presentation and was asked to comment on the Commission for Social Care Inspection's (CSCI) Performance Assessment letter and summary of Adult Social Care and the action plan that had been developed to support the key areas for development.  Members were advised that an inspection by the CSCI would take place soon and adult social care currently held a 2 star rating (out of 3).  Assessment criteria for the 2008-09 year had not yet been published but it was expected in February 2009.

Observations and questions were raised and responses given including:

• A 2 star rating had already been achieved but the new assessment criteria would not use star ratings.
• CSCI met with only one group of carers and this group had set up a craftwork activity group amongst themselves.
• Officers will investigate whether documentation exists addressing post 16 education for learning impaired and disabled people.

ACTION AGREED

Officers to report back concerning post 16 education for disabled and learning impaired.

Consultation on the current review of ‘No Secrets’ guidance by the Department of Health.

The Panel received a report on the current national review in relation to safeguarding vulnerable adults in order to provide an opportunity for Panel members to contribute to Peterborough’s response to the consultation.  The Panel was advised that Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults (SVA) was at the heart of the Sustainable Community Strategy’s ambitions that included working to help the people of Peterborough “be protected from abuse, discrimination and harassment”.  The Local Area Agreement targets relating to vulnerable people had particular links to this area.

The No Secrets consultation was a multi-agency piece of work led by NHS Peterborough in the Peterborough area.

The Panel was asked to consider the need for either guidance or legislation to ensure SVA goals were achieved successfully and was advised of the considerations that must be made when deciding this including the involvement of partners, financing, choice and risks.  Members of the Panel were advised that their responses must be received by the end of January to be included in the consultation.

Observations and questions were raised and responses given including:

• Any cases of abuse should be referred to the Safeguarding team in the first instance.
• The Police is providing a separate response to the document.
• The employer has the responsibility to ensure all their staff are CRB checked.  The CSCI would check this during inspections.
• A lack of legislation could lead to a lack of cooperation from partners if roles and statuses are not formerly established.
• If legislation is to be adopted, more funding would be needed to effectively resource and staff the operations.
• The document addresses who would be responsible if it was deemed necessary to remove someone from their place of residence.

ACTION AGREED

To note the report.

To consider the latest version of the Forward Plan

The Panel received the Council’s Forward Plan which outlined forthcoming Executive Decisions for the period January 2008 to April 2009 for consideration.

ACTION AGREED

To note the report.

To consider the Panel’s latest work programme

A request was made to bring forward an item on Safeguarding Adults from March to February.

The Panel received and noted the latest work programme for 2008/2009. 

Councillor Rush passed his thanks to Peterborough & Stamford Hospitals NHS Trust for allowing visits to the new hospital site.

Tuesday,17 February 2009 at 7.00pm in Bourges & Viersen Committee Rooms.

Tuesday, 17 February 2009 at 7.00pm in Bourges & Viersen Committee Rooms.