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The Chair made the following announcements:

Mr Parsons had resigned from the Panel resulting in a temporary vacancy for the Independent Group.

NHS England had announced that congenital heart surgery would remain at Glenfield Hospital.  Miss Waller and Mr Conde were thanked for the work they had participated in to prevent the closure of the unit.

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To confirm the record of the meeting of the People (Adults & Health) Scrutiny Panel held on 14 September 2017 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel held on 14 September 2017, copies of which had been previously circulated, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

It was noted agenda items LLR Integrated Points of Access (LLR IPOA) Programme and Sustainability and Transformation Plan: Update listed in minute number 269 were not on the agenda for this meeting.  Members were advised that a formal announcement was awaited on the LLR IPOA.  RCC was still supporting a position of not going in; this position had not changed. The Sustainability and Transformation Plan was still being worked and the CCG was not ready for a formal announcement, this was now expected in February 2018.  The intention was for the consultation to start circa April 2018.

In accordance with the Regulations, Members are invited to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have and the nature of those interests in respect of items on this Agenda and/or indicate if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

To receive any petitions, deputations and questions received from Members of the Public in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 217.

The total time allowed for this item shall be 30 minutes.  Petitions, declarations and questions shall be dealt with in the order in which they are received.  Questions may also be submitted at short notice by giving a written copy to the Committee Administrator 15 minutes before the start of the meeting.

The total time allowed for questions at short notice is 15 minutes out of the total time of 30 minutes.  Any petitions, deputations and questions that have been submitted with prior formal notice will take precedence over questions submitted at short notice.  Any questions that are not considered within the time limit shall receive a written response after the meeting and be the subject of a report to the next meeting.

No petitions, deputations or questions were received from members of the public.

To consider any questions with notice from Members received in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule No 219 and No 219A.

No questions were received from Members.

To consider any Notices of Motion from Members submitted in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule No 220.

No notices of motion were received from Members.

To consider any matter referred to the Panel for a decision in relation to call in of a decision in accordance with Procedure Rule 206.

No matter was referred to the Panel for a decision in relation to call-in of a decision in accordance with Procedure Rule 206.

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With the agreement of the Panel, Item 11: RALSS Self Assessment Report was taken before Item 7: Quarter 2 Performance Management Report 2017/2018.

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The following item was for information and was not discussed at the meeting.

Members were requested to send feedback on the report to Robert Shore, Team Manager, Learning and Skills (rshore@rutland.gov.uk)

To receive Report No. 209/2017 from the Director for People.

It was noted that the report was not for discussion, as per the published agenda, however Members were invited to ask questions of Mr Shore, Team Manager – Learning and Skills.

In response to questions, Mr Shore advised the Panel of the following:

a)    The local RAF base referred to in paragraph 2.9 of the Annual Report, was RAF Wittering where fast track GCSE courses in English and Mathematics were held, with a 100% success rate.

b)    The out of county providers referred to in paragraph 4.4 of the Annual Report were local regional colleges.

c)    With regard to SEND provision to the age of 25, nationally MENCAP would be responsible for job placements; RALS would be able to provide the training.

d)    From January 2018 RALS would be looking to provide wider Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), working with local schools to determine need and economic viability of course provision within the county.

To receive Report No. 193/2017 from the Chief Executive

(Report circulated under separate cover)

Report No. 193/2017 from the Chief Executive was received.

The purpose of the report was to provide Cabinet with strategic oversight of the Council’s performance for the second quarter of 2017/18 in delivering the Council’s Corporate Plan Aims and Objectives.

During the discussion the following points were noted:

a)    That data from 2016 showed that Rutland compared very favourably with its statistical neighbours, outperforming them in most areas.  Members requested the inclusion of statistical evidence in future reports.  The Chair stated that she would bring this request to the attention of Cabinet and the Director for Resources, as it was a wider corporate issue.

AGREED

That the Panel NOTED the report.

That the Chair would request the inclusion of statistical evidence in future reports.

To receive Report No. 191/2017 from the Director for Resources

(Report circulated under separate cover)

Report No. 191/2017 from the Director for Resources was received.

The purpose of the report was to inform Cabinet and all Members of the full year forecast position as at Quarter 2 for 2017/18 and to alert them to issues that may impact on the Medium Term Financial Plan to enable them to maintain sound financial management of the Council’s operations.

The report was taken without debate.

AGREED

That the Panel NOTED the report.

To receive Report No. 213/2017 from the Director for Resources.

(Report circulated under separate cover)

·         The above report is due to be presented at Cabinet on 19 December 2017.

·         Scrutiny has requested this report so that it can review and comment on proposals before the Cabinet meeting so as to inform the decision-making process.

·         Scrutiny is asked to consider the report and provide feedback to the Portfolio Holder and Director.

Report No. 213/2017 from the Director for Resources was received.

The purpose of the report was to set out the proposals for fees and charges for services provided by the Council, for the financial year 2018/19.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Concern raised with regard to the inflationary figure quoted in the report.  This concern would be raised further at the Growth, Infrastructure and Resources Scrutiny Panel on 7 December 2017.

Adult Social Care Charges:

b)    That the figure of £23,250 quoted in paragraph 3.3.3 of Report No. 213/2017 was a nationally set threshold.

c)    That a clearer explanation was required to reflect the 6 monthly interest rate changes.

d)    That it was difficult to find residential care home placements within the band rates, as costs increased with complexity.  In Rutland the individual would normally make a contribution towards any shortfall in costs.

AGREED

That the Panel NOTED the report.

To receive Report No. 212/2017 from the Director for People.

Report No. 212/2017 from the Director for People was received.

The Deputy Director for People, Mr Andrews, introduced the report, the purpose of which was to seek comment on whether the draft strategy recognised, valued and supported Carers in Rutland and Leicestershire.

Mr Andrews reminded Members that they were being requested to consider endorsing a draft strategy between the three local authorities and the relevant clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).  The strong priorities were stated within the document and there would be engagement with carers/providers.  Members were informed that at least one partner felt that the Strategy was too ambitious and would be unable to fund.

Rutland County Council (RCC) supported a joint strategy, however if this was not as ambitious as RCC would like then it could be a strategy between RCC and the CCG only.

A number of questions had been received prior to the meeting from Miss Waller.  A written response was to be circulated to Members.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Concern was expressed about the number of carers caring for family members who were possibly unknown to the Authority.

b)    Members voiced concerns regarding the mental and emotional wellbeing of carers, and the support available.

c)    A survey of long term carers undertaken by Healthwatch found that GPs were pro-active in promoting assessments.  However, people had concerns with regard to the possible level of intervention.

d)    A large number of carers in Rutland did not meet the eligibility criteria for the Carers Allowance and therefore did not come forward.

e)    RCC had recently appointed a Vulnerable Adult Risk Management (VARM) worker and specialist manager because of concerns such as safeguarding.  These specialists have some powers under law to remove an individual to a place of safety in specific circumstances. 

f)     Young carers and their health were identified as being more vulnerable.  Members commented that the Strategy should state a policy of zero tolerance where there were inappropriate caring practices.  Officers stated that if not included in the Strategy, this should be incorporated into the bespoke plans for Children’s Services.

g)    The value of the voluntary sector; seen as an independent body offering advice on the help available to carers.

h)   That the segregation of Rutland data would allow Rutland issues and priorities to be more easily identified and reflected in the Strategy.

i)     The possibility of a delivery document relating to Rutland underneath an overarching strategy, linking back to the Strategy.

j)      That Occupational Therapy (OT) services were not particularly well signposted on the RCC website; also little information on funding for respite care.

k)    Members were informed that through funding from the Health and Prevention Grant RCC had contracted Spire Homes to undertake minor adaptions to properties; not means tested.  For larger equipment where financial constrictions were prohibitive the Authority had the ability to waive any charge.

l)     Members were reminded that Adult Social Care dealt with people with great need.  RCC had just less than 700 service users registered with 364  ...  view the full minutes text for item 439.

To consider Scrutiny issues to review. 

Copies of the Forward Plan will be available at the meeting.

Items on the Forward Plan

The Panel received verbal updates on the following reports due to Cabinet on 16 January 2018:

1.    Re-procurement of older people complex day provision: to cater for people with complex needs.  Recommendation will be for provision to deal with complex people on a daily basis.

2.    Sexual Health Service Re-procurement: disjointed commissioning; looking to commission as one.  Services for Rutland not expected to change.

Homecare Recommissioning (Cabinet 17 April 2018): Members were advised that the preferred model was being explored.  The contract ends in March 2018 and the Authority wanted sufficient time to build a base of evidence.  The pilot was currently running.

Public Health Reserves (Cabinet 20 March 2018): the Panel expressed an interest in receiving a report on this matter.

To receive any other items of urgent business which have been previously notified to the person presiding.

Mental Health Task and Finish Group

The Chair sought volunteers to join herself and the Chair of the Children Scrutiny Panel, Mr Begy, on the above Group.  Members were advised that there was to be a scoping meeting on 11 December 2017 at 6.00pm, at the Council.  All Members present expressed an interest to be involved in the Group.

Budget Meeting (date to be confirmed)

Wednesday 24 January 2018 or

Thursday 25 January 2018

Ordinary Meeting

Thursday 8 February 2018 at 7.00 pm

Agenda items:  

·         Sustainability and Transformation Partnership: Update

·         Sustainability and Transformation Partnership Business: Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Dementia Strategy

·         Director of Public Health Annual Report

·         Adult Social Care Performance Framework

Joint Adults and Health and Children Scrutiny Panel Budget Meeting

Wednesday 24 January 2018 at 7.00 pm

Ordinary Meeting

Thursday 8 February 2018 at 7.00pm

Proposed agenda items:

1.    Sustainability and Transformation Partnership: Update

2.    Sustainability and Transformation Partnership Business: Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Dementia Strategy

3.    Director of Public Health Annual Report

4.    Adult Social Care Performance Framework