Issue - meetings

To receive a summary of the work the Better Care Fund completed in 2020/21 and an update on the plans for 2021/22.

Gina Bartlett and Judith Westcott

The Board considered a report which gave a summary of the work the Better Care Fund (BCF) completed in 2020/21 and an update regarding the plans for 2021/22.

Alison Elliott, Interim Director of Adult Social Care, presented the report highlighting the following issues:

·  The last year has been very difficult due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This has had an impact on the progress and implementation of the BCF schemes and has resulted in an underspend.

·  Little or no guidance has been issued this year regarding the use and decision making around the funds and so officers have proceeded on the basis of the 2018/19 guidance.

·  Work is taking place to review the governance of the Better Care Fund.

·  A portion of the underspend (£871k) has been contributed to the Council Covid-19 recovery plan.  This was agreed by both the Council and the CCG.

·  The underspend on the DFG schemes will be carried over into the DFG spend for 2021/22.

·  There are a range of schemes to be progressed next year as a number of projects have not started as anticipated this year due to the pandemic.

·  There are some areas which require due diligence to clarify sources and allocation of funding.

Officers then responded to queries as follows:

·  There may be some flexibility regarding the funding this year.  It is anticipated that the BCF funding will continue.  Historically the BCF has been subject to clear guidance and reporting rules.

·  Colleagues and partners were given the opportunity to bid against the underspend where the relevant criteria are met. 

·  There are still some concerns regarding reablement, the flow of patients from hospital and support to enable people to remain at home.  The Interim Director of Adult Social Care is working with colleagues to address this issue and will meet with the project group in April to consider the redesign of the service.  Enabling people to maintain their independence is a priority.

·  Evaluation of schemes supported by the BCF is important and it is essential to clearly measure outcomes.  A new member of staff will be appointed to manage the BCF and this will include the tracking and measuring of outcomes.

It was RESOLVED unanimously:

(1)  To note the approach for 2020/21 underspends.

(2)  To note the proposals to review funding source changes for 2021/22 and confirm the process for agreeing spend.

(3)  To approve the schemes for 2021/22, including existing projects and new bids.