Agenda and minutes

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Items
No. Item

76.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

77.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

The Chair will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 6.

 

Minutes:

The Chairman drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

 

78.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Minutes:

Councillor Kate Simmons sent her apology.  Councillor Brian Simmons was het substitute for the meeting.

 

Jane Shayler (Programme Director for Non-Acute Health, Social Care and Housing) also sent her apology.

79.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972

Members who have an interest to declare are asked to:

 

  a)  State the Item Number in which they have the interest

  b)  The nature of the interest

  c)  Whether the interest is personal, or personal and prejudicial

 

Any Member who is unsure about the above should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer prior to the meeting in order to expedite matters at the meeting itself. 

 

Minutes:

Councillor Eleanor Jackson declared personal and non- prejudicial interest on the agenda item ‘Cabinet Member update’ as she is Council’s representative on Sirona Care & Health Community Interest Company.

 

Councillor Vic Pritchard declared personal and non-prejudicial interest on the agenda item ‘Cabinet Member update’ as he is Council’s representative on Sirona Care & Health Community Interest Company.

 

Councillor Loraine Brinkhurst MBE declared personal and non- prejudicial interest on the agenda item ‘Cabinet Member update’ as she is Council’s representative on Sirona Care & Health Community Interest Company.

80.

TO ANNOUNCE ANY URGENT BUSINESS AGREED BY THE CHAIRMAN

Minutes:

There was none.

81.

ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC OR COUNCILLORS - TO RECEIVE DEPUTATIONS, STATEMENTS, PETITIONS OR QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OF THIS MEETING

At the time of publication no notifications had been received.

 

Minutes:

There were none.

82.

MINUTES 27/01/12 pdf icon PDF 166 KB

To confirm the minutes of the above meeting as a correct record.

 

Minutes:

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chairman.

83.

CABINET MEMBER UPDATE (15 MINUTES)

The Panel will have an opportunity to ask questions to the Cabinet Member and to receive an update on any current issues.

 

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Councillor Simon Allen (Cabinet Member for Wellbeing) to give an update to the Panel (attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes).

 

The Panel made the following points:

 

Councillor Clarke asked how many empty properties have been actively pursued.

 

Councillor Simon Allen suggested that the answer will be provided by the officer later in the meeting under agenda item ‘Housing Allocations’.

 

The Chairman said that much of the report had been committed to housing and his particular question was if the reduction in Bristol CC budget on homelessness would have an impact on homelessness in BANES.  The Chairman suggested that the answer should have been provided by Councillor Tim Ball (Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning), whose Cabinet responsibilities these are, but thanked Councillor Allen for providing some answers.

 

The Chairman asked what the outcome of the last Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection might be.  The Chairman also said that the current administration decided to reduce the budget for Care Homes by £1.6m and asked if there will be a review on this issue.

 

Councillor Simon Allen replied that the review on Care Homes will be produced on quarterly basis and he suggested that the outcomes should be presented to the Panel.  The most important thing is that service users receive adequate and quality service.  The CQC inspection had been completed and the Commissioning Team from the Council are in contact with the CQC on this matter.

 

Sarah Shatwell (Associate Director for Non-Acute and Social Care) added that Commissioning Team has bi-monthly meetings with the CQC where they exchange information and data between each other.  The embargo on placements in two care homes has been lifted in the last three weeks whilst one more care home is under embargo for a technical rather than quality issue.  Sarah Shatwell also explained that any savings associated with the commissioning budget for Care Home placements would be negotiated with providers using a regional care home cost model developed through research on 41 Care Homes across the region.  Efficiencies that the Council will have to find will be balanced against the inflation already awarded to care home providers.

 

Councillor Hall asked what sort of energy efficiency measures in properties will be primarily looked at.

 

Councillor Simon Allen replied that the Council will predominantly look at the cavity wall insulation although there is still significant amount of work to be done in this area.  Councillor Allen suggested that the Panel could have Energy Efficiency report on one of the future Panel meetings.

 

Councillor Brett asked about refreshed Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy and how new licensing rules will be incorporated in the strategy.

 

Councillor Simon Allen responded that there is on-going conversation between different departments in the Council and the Interim Joint Director of Public Health.

 

Councillor Jackson expressed her concern for the reduction of 10 beds in Julian House.  Councillor Jackson suggested that the Panel should check if the situation improved following the Youth Homelessness study.  Councillor Jackson also suggested that Councillor Simon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

Appendix 1 Cabinet Member update pdf icon PDF 27 KB

84.

NHS AND CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP UPDATE (15 MINUTES)

The Panel will receive an update from the NHS and Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on current issues.

 

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Ian Orpen (Clinical Commissioning Group - CCG) to give an update.

 

Ian Orpen took the Panel through the update (attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes) and added that Rhona Macdonald (ex-CEO for BANES PCT) is commissioned to look into future work arrangements between the Council and CCG.

 

The Panel made the following points:

 

Members of the Panel commented that there is a great deal of fear between people that, in near future, they will be charged if they visit their doctor.

 

Ian Orpen responded that this is probably happening because the way the debate on the Health Bill is portrayed in the last few months, but that people should not be worried.

 

Members of the Panel commented that some people cannot see their GPs as those GPs are quite busy with the reorganisation.

 

Ian Orpen responded that 3 GPs, out of 160 in BANES, are fully involved in the CCG.

 

It was RESOLVED to note the update.

Appendix 2 NHS update pdf icon PDF 33 KB

85.

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET LOCAL INVOLVEMENT NETWORK UPDATE (15 MINUTES) pdf icon PDF 106 KB

The Panel are asked to consider an update from the BANES Local Involvement Network.

 

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Diana Hall Hall to introduce the update from BANES Local Involvement Network (LINk).

 

Diana Hall Hall took the Panel through the update as included in the agenda.

 

Members of the Panel recommended that the LINk should include in their report any conclusions that they have as a result of the LINk’s visits to Care Homes.

 

Diana Hall Hall welcomed that recommendation.

 

Sarah Shatwell suggested that the LINk should correspond with Sirona if they want to say something in the report that is of Adult Safeguarding nature.  Also, if there is a genuine concern about the service provided in Care Homes it should be communicated with the Commissioning Team.

 

Diana Hall Hall agreed with these suggestions and added that LINk would know where to go in case if any of the above occur.

 

It was RESOLVED to note the update.

86.

Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) presentation (45 MINUTES)

The Panel are asked to consider a presentation from the CEO of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Kirsty Matthews (Chief Executive of RNHRD) to give the presentation.

 

Kirsty Matthews gave a presentation (RNHRD NHS FT update) where she highlighted the following points:

 

·  RNHRD Vision

·  RNHRD Purpose

·  An introduction to the RNHRD

·  RNHRD services

·  RNHRD Context

·  RNHRD Income

·  WTE figures for 2010, 2011 & 2012

·  Quality

·  Length of Stay

·  Length of Stay Neuro Rehabilitation

·  Bed provision

·  Referrals

·  Significant Changes 2011/2012

·  Breakdown of PCT income 2009/10 (actual) to 2011/12 (forecast)

·  Significant impacts on 2012/13 planning

·  2012/13 Outline Plan for Clinical Services

·  Conclusion

 

A full copy of the presentation from Kirsty Matthews is available on the minute book in Democratic Services.

 

The Panel made the following points:

 

The Panel asked what would be the impact of supporting people at home instead of in the hospital.

 

Kirsty Matthews replied that this is about rehabilitation patients and the RNHRD is quite fortunate on that matter.  The hospital built very good relationship with Sirona on how they fit within care pathway.  Patients or their families make requests to get out of the hospital and stay at home.  Rheumatology patients in particular want to stay in the hospital for the shortest period of time.

 

The Panel asked about reduction of referrals in chronic pain.

 

Kirsty Matthews replied that the hospital has to justify measures for referrals.  In the next couple of years there will be more and more pressure on the NHS for patients with chronic pain.  The hospital will have to demonstrate the benefits on what they can do for their patients, for example providing support to patients who want to go back to work.

 

The Panel asked about the governors understanding of the hospital position and about the pathway between the GP, RUH and RNHRD.

Kirsty Matthews said that she feels quite fortunate that governors do understand the situation that the hospital is in.  Some of the governors are ex-patients and some are still patients.  Kirsty Matthews explained that the RNHRD works quite closely with the GPs and RUH.  The patient is required to go first to their GP.  If the patient suffers from temporary pain then they will be referred to the RUH who will help on short term pain treatment.  If the pain is consistent or chronic then the patient will be referred to the RNHRD.

 

It was RESOLVED to note the presentation.

 

87.

Transition of Public Health responsibilities from NHS BANES to the Council - presentation (30 MINUTES)

The Panel are asked to consider the presentation from the Acting Joint Director of Public Health.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Pamela Akerman (Interim Joint Director of Public Health) to give the presentation.

 

Pamela Akerman highlighted the following points in her presentation called ‘Update on reforms and new Council Responsibilities – Changes to Public Health in BANES’:

·  Background

·  Public Health in the Council

·  New roles – Public Health

·  Public Health leadership

·  Vision and opportunities

·  Operating model

·  Planning timescales

·  Governance of the planning process

·  Constraints and concerns

·  Key transition programmes

 

A full copy of the presentation from Pamela Akerman is available on the minute book in Democratic Services.

 

Pamela Akerman added that the full report on Transition of Public Health responsibilities will be presented to the Panel on one of the future Panel meetings.

 

The Panel made the following points:

 

The Panel asked what part of the Public Health the other bodies will have.

 

Pamela Akerman replied that the Director of Public Health will have the power to challenge the other organisations if they don’t deliver services to the public. 

 

The Panel asked about the work between the Director of Public Health and Council services such as Licensing.

 

Pamela Akerman replied that the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, that has been produced together with Licensing department, will be submitted to the Cabinet in near future.

 

It was RESOLVED to note the presentation.

88.

Personal Budgets: Review of Policy Framework & Resource Allocation (40 MINUTES) pdf icon PDF 155 KB

The Wellbeing Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel is asked to agree that:

1.  The current policy framework and resource allocation system for Personal Budgets in Bath & North East Somerset is revised to address the equalities and financial concerns set out in the body of the report.

2.  The revised policy framework and resource allocation system is more clearly and transparently linked to the Fair Access to Care Services eligibility criteria currently in place in Bath & North East Somerset.

3.  Further wide scale consultation and impact assessment of proposed changes is undertaken prior to any significant operational changes being implemented.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Sarah Shatwell to introduce the report.

 

The Panel made the following points:

 

Members of the Panel asked when full Equality Impact Assessment will be ready.

 

Sarah Shatwell replied that formal Equalities Impact Assessment has not been completed in relation to the current policy framework and resource allocation system for Personal Budgets, however advice and guidance has been sought from the Equalities Team.  A full Equalities Impact Assessment of the revised policy framework and resource allocation system for Personal Budgets will be completed as part of the development process so that the final product is fully informed and influenced by equalities considerations.

 

Cordelia Johnney (Equalities and Diversity Officer) said that this will help to ensure that all of the equality issues are either eliminated entirely or transparently linked to the different types and levels of need that do exist between and within different service user groups.

 

It was RESOLVED to agree that:

 

1.  The current policy framework and resource allocation system for Personal Budgets in Bath & North East Somerset is revised to address the equalities and financial concerns set out in the body of the report;

2.  The revised policy framework and resource allocation system is more clearly and transparently linked to the Fair Access to Care Services eligibility criteria currently in place in Bath & North East Somerset; and

3.  Further wide scale consultation and impact assessment of proposed changes is undertaken prior to any significant operational changes being implemented.

89.

Housing Allocations (20 MINUTES) pdf icon PDF 56 KB

Each Local Housing Authority (the Council) must have an allocation scheme which articulates how priority for social housing is determined.  The Bath & North East Somerset scheme, known as the Homeseach Scheme, is operated on the principles of choice-based lettings which combine the elements of housing need, time on scheme and client choice.  At present, and in accordance with the legislation current at the time of adoption, the scheme allows anyone, with a few statutory exceptions, to join the scheme.  This is known as an “open scheme”.

 

The Localism Act 2011, supported by draft Allocations guidance, provides the Council with greater freedoms in determining local priorities.  In particular the Council can now chose to exclude certain households from the scheme, such as, those households who do not have a local connection to the district or whose income is above a specific level.  This is known as a “closed scheme”.  The Council will need to determine how it wants to use these freedoms.

 

The Wellbeing Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel is asked to note and comment on the issues detailed in this briefing report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Graham Sabourn (Associate Director for Housing and Health) to introduce the report.

 

The Panel made the following points:

 

Members of the Panel asked if ex-servicemen will have priorities in housing allocations.

 

Graham Sabourn replied that the Council acknowledged that people in armed forces and ex-servicemen were disadvantaged in the past in terms of housing allocation due to not being able to demonstrate local connection.  However, in 2008 the Council acted to make local connection easier for ex-service personnel to achieve.  The Government now is now suggesting that ex-service personnel are further assisted by a) not needing to demonstrate local connection and b) Members of armed forces are given additional priority in housing allocations. 

 

Members of the Panel suggested that option 4.2 in option document (Should we change the age from 8 to 10 when a child will be eligible for their own room?) should not change if the children are same sex.  Graham Sabourn took that suggestion on board.

 

Graham Sabourn highlighted to the Panel that option 2.2. in option document (Give preference to people who make a contribution to the community?) is promoted by the Government and asked the Panel to make their view on that option.

 

Members of the Panel debated this option.  Some Members felt that they would support this option if the families are compared on like for like basis.  In general the Panel felt that it would be very difficult to decide who would be making the decision on who made what contribution to the community and that it would be discriminatory towards people with mental health issues.  The Panel agreed with officers’ initial recommendation that this should not take place at this point in time and ask officers to monitor this or similar issue introduced by other Councils.

 

Members of the Panel asked how many houses are registered as empty properties.

 

Graham Sabourn replied that initially there were 500+ properties empty for 6 months and more (according to initial information from different Council sources).  Following the investigation it was concluded that there are now around 430 empty properties in total with around 12  them being classed as high priority for recovery action.

 

The Chairman asked that the final report on Housing Allocations be on Panel’s agenda sometime in summer 2012.

 

It was RESOLVED to note the report and for officers to take on board comments and suggestions made by the Panel.

90.

Workplan pdf icon PDF 34 KB

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was RESOLVED to note the workplan with the following additions:

 

·  Care Homes quarterly review – date to be confirmed

·  Energy Efficiency report – date to be confirmed

·  Alcohol Harm reduction Strategy – date to be confirmed

·  Transition of Public Health responsibilities – date to be confirmed

·  Housing Allocations report – summer 2012