Agenda item

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care introduced the report. He commented that in relation to the forward demand pressures on Adult Social Care, the demographic 'time-bomb' had now gone off. Due to changes in demographic pressures, there was an anticipated significant increase in demand in all elements of adult social care services in the near future in the county. On a positive note, this reflected well on the county in terms of an increase in life-expectancy and quality of life. Recent external reports had indicated that demand pressures on Adult Social Care had been reflected on a national and that the existing system was not sustainable in the long-term. One peculiarity for this Council compared to others was that a greater amount of resources had been directed to support the NHS to ensure that patient discharges from community hospitals remained at an acceptable level.

A plan had been devised for the period 2018-22 which aimed to address the demand pressures on the service. The next stage of the process was the development of a Market Position Statement. He noted particular issues facing the service going forward in relation to provider cost pressures, the future workforce, and the structure of care homes.

It was disappointing that the Government's Green Paper on Adult Social Care had not been published yet because it was difficult to plan for the medium to long term without a clear national framework for Adult Social Care.

In the ensuing debate the following points were raised:

·         There was not enough money nationally or locally in the system to cater for people as they got older

·         The importance of spreading broadband countywide was that it helped support the provision of assistive technology which enabled people to remain in their own homes and be monitored remotely without the need for unnecessary visits

·         A member from outside the Cabinet highlighted the lack of a national solution to the demographic pressures and the additional pressure caused by people who had previously funded their own care now being eligible for care due to depleted resources. Doubt was also expressed that the proposed savings from the roll out of the 3 Conversation model in the next financial year could be achieved particularly with the time-pressures facing front-line staff.  The effectiveness of equity release schemes was also queried

·         The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care commented that there was a general lack of public recognition of the implications of the funding difficulties facing Adult Social Care. It had been suggested to the Secretary of State that the Pensions Dashboard should include a section on the care needs and costs. County roadshows could be used to increase public awareness of the issue. The 3 Conversations Model had been rolled out elsewhere and had been particularly successful in relation to the speed of assessments and ensuring social workers took responsibility for their case-load. The Council was committed to an outcome-based, commissioned model of domiciliary care. This approach would stop the Council providing care for people who did not need it

·         The Leader of the Council added that the funding of Adult Social Care was a national issue. He was grateful for the additional funding received from the Government but it was clear that further funding was necessary and the Government would be lobbied accordingly.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a)    noted the current and forecast demand and financial pressures for the provision of Adult Social Care, which is significant both nationally and locally, as set out at Appendix A to the report;

b)    noted the recent reports by the Competition and Markets Authority (November 2017) into the viability of the adult care market  and recent National Audit Office report 'Financial Sustainability of local authorities 2018';

c)    endorsed the direction of travel within Adult Social Care to manage demand and improve people's independence, as set out in 'Promoting Independence: Our Vision for Transforming Adult Social Care in Worcestershire' and the Worcestershire Market Position Statement  as set out at Appendices B and C to the report;

d)    noted and endorsed those policies and procedures set out at paragraphs 9-23 and Appendix D of the report, and authorised the Interim Director of Adult Services to take all necessary steps to implement them;

e)    requested a report on the Council's response to the Green Paper on care and support for older people, which has been announced for publication in Autumn 2018, and at the point of discussion of this report indicating a preferred direction of travel; and

f)     requested that the value of the care sector as wealth-generating businesses and as an employer is recognised in the development of economic and regeneration policies within the County.