Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Izzi Seccombe OBE and Cllr Sue Woolley.

There were no declarations of interest.

Dr Charles Alessi, Senior Advisor and lead for preventable dementia in Public Health England, will speak to the Board on his work around productive ageing.

Dr Charles Alessi, Senior Advisor and lead for preventable dementia in Public Health England, gave a presentation to the Board on his work around productive ageing.

Charles Alessi emphasised the need to change the narrative around ageing, and how ageing is viewed. He advised that in commissioning local government should consider closer work with the voluntary sector, and avoid over medicalising the local government approach to ageing. He also expressed a view that more work needed to be done around diversity in productive ageing.

In the discussion which followed, Members raised the following points;

·         A view was expressed that the right support from the Department of Health needs to be in place when approaching the preventative agenda

·         A member expressed a view that the sector must continue to work closely with the voluntary sector in encouraging people to stay active. 

·         A view was expressed that the Alzheimer’s Society will be a good ally in productive ageing going forwards.

·         Members emphasised the importance of a dementia friendly society.

·         A view was expressed that involving faith groups would be valuable in future.

·         Members emphasised the importance of access to services for the elderly in rural areas.

Decision

The Board noted the presentation.

Action

Member Services Officer to circulate the presentation to Members of the Board.

Laura Caton, Senior Adviser, introduced the report regarding a new consultation published by the Government on supported housing funding with a closing date of 23 January 2018. The Government had confirmed that the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate would not apply to supported housing or wider social housing, which was welcomed by the LGA. Laura asked that Members of the Community Wellbeing Board share any initial comments in response to the consultation and to give any further steer on the next steps proposed in the report. Laura emphasised that the LGA’s overall concern was that supported housing continue to be fully funded in future and that supported housing markets can keep pace with demand.

In the discussion that followed Members raised the following points;

·         Members expressed the view that the proposed actions were broadly welcomed.

·         A concern was raised that supported housing was an area in which many local initiatives had been lost.

·         A Member advised that it would be important to not be too rigid on the definition of short term accommodation.

Decisions

Members commented on the proposed actions in the report.

Actions

Officers to incorporate Members feedback into the response to the consultation and on the proposed actions in paragraph 20 of the report.

Alyson Morley, Senior Adviser, introduced the report providing the Board with an update on developments on the Better Care Fund (BCF) and Improved Better Care Fund (iBCF), as well as the Care and Health Improvement Programme’s support offer on delayed transfers of care. Alyson brought Members attention to paragraphs 17.1 – 17.4 in the report which outlines proposed LGA messages on the future of BCF and iBCF, in particular proposing a return to the original aims of BCF and to get rid of the onerous national assurance and performance management elements. Alyson asked the Board to provide comment and if they would endorse the proposed key messages.

·         Members expressed views that the LGA should continue to focus on Social Care being properly financed and the personalisation of social care.

·         A view was expressed that the range and complexity of care quality reviews was an issue that interferes with the day to day care work being carried out in local areas.

·         Members broadly agreed with the proposed LGA message, views were expressed that the LGA lines in 17.1 and 17.2 could be stronger.

·         A view was expressed that prevention must remain a focus.

·         A Member expressed a view that central government needed to be provide a clear national strategy on social care.

·         Alyson emphasised to Members that in every relevant media statement the LGA always stress their concerns over disproportionate DToC targets.

Decisions

The Community Wellbeing Board:

1. Noted the developments in relation to BCF and iBCF; and

2. Commented and endorsed the proposed key messages for the future of BCF

outlined in paragraphs 17.1 – 17.4.

Action

Officers to incorporate Members comments into the proposed key messages.

Matt Hibberd, Senior Adviser, introduced the update paper to members of the Board. He informed the Board that the issues the carers strategy would have addressed will now be wrapped up as a part of the adult social care green paper. He also informed the board that the government no longer intends for the proposed the cap on care costs’ to be rolled out in April 2020. Views were expressed by members that the adult social care green paper needed to not just focus on care of the elderly, but for all citizens with a care need.

Regarding the independent review of the Mental Health Act 1983 members emphasised the importance of properly funding mental health services and of early intervention.

Decision

The  Community Wellbeing Board noted the updates contained in the report.

The Minutes of the last meeting were agreed.