Agenda item

To consider the draft list of schemes to be funded from the Improved Better Care Fund (iBCF) for 2022/23. It is suggested that a further update be provided to the Board, following publication of the national Better Care Fund Policy Framework for 2022/23 or equivalent replacement.

Rachel Briden, WCC Integrated Partnership Manager presented a report with the draft list of schemes to be funded from the Improved Better Care Fund (iBCF) for 2022/23. At the meeting in November, the Board had requested more involvement and engagement in the process. This report summarised the proposals, mainly for continuation of the existing schemes.

It was anticipated that the Better Care Fund Policy Framework would be replaced in 2022/23. However, details were awaited, and normal planning arrangements were continuing in the meantime. The funding settlement for 2022/23 was published on 16 December 2021 with an allocation of £15.1m. This represented a 3% increase from the previous year and was the first inflationary increase in four years. The financial implications outlined the assumed grant conditions, following those for previous years and permitted uses of this funding. It was noted that iBCF funding was temporary. Some funding was used to maintain statutory social care spending, and this would require replacement funding if the iBCF was withdrawn.

The report and appendices gave a detailed breakdown of the schemes and proposed changes from 2021/22 to 2022/23. It was suggested that a further update be provided to the Board, following publication of the national Better Care Fund Policy Framework for 2022/23 or equivalent replacement.

The following questions and comments were submitted:

• The extension of the hospital to home scheme was welcomed.
• Councillor Roodhouse was concerned about the annual nature of this funding and a number of bodies were making representations regarding this. With longer-term funding, programmes could be established to focus on such things as falls prevention. 
• On the hospital to home scheme, Councillor Matecki added about reducing pressure on the NHS, seeking to get patients home as early as possible. He asked about funding arrangements, ensuring collaboration as a system and the potential for NHS funding to be used to expand this service. Rachel Briden responded on the need to look at patient transport in conjunction with NHS partners. The Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) was not able to expand its service much further without additional recruitment. Reference to the additional services provided on falls prevention and making the best use of WFRS to assist vulnerable people. 
• Nigel Minns reminded of the joint work on ensuring efficient systems to discharge patients from hospital. Only a small proportion (5%) of those leaving hospital required care at home. The biggest challenge was the care market and workforce aspects. Councillor Matecki picked up the financial aspects where services were not provided due to a lack of budget, but other services were having to spend excessively as a result. 
• Councillor Barker referred to changes in housing related support and the budget implications for district and borough councils which could impact on areas of support provided by them.  The Chair acknowledged there could be impacts on both NHS and Adult Social Care services. A dialogue was planned between councils to seek a solution.
• Phil Johns submitted support on behalf of the CCG for the proposals in the report.
• A discussion on the project on removing excess items from the homes of people who hoarded and to provide a deep clean, to enable them to return home and receive care at home. Linked to this concerns had been raised by the chair of the Safeguarding Board in relation to self-harm. Rachel Briden gave an outline of the elements of this scheme and offered to provide further information. The Chair suggested the topic of adult self-harm could be considered at a future meeting as there was an increase case numbers.

Resolved