Agenda item

Purpose: To give an update on the BCF following on from the Special Meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board that took place 18 September 2014.

Tandra Forster introduced the item, which aimed to update the Board on progress with the Better Care Fund Plans (BCF).

Tandra Foster reported that they were still awaiting a more detailed proposal on the BCF funding from the Department of Health (DH). Rachael Wardell added that the DH had stated that they were expecting no further work from West Berkshire Council.

The Department of Health had confirmed that West Berkshire was among 90 other areas that had BCF plans approved subject to conditions.

Cathy Winfield reported that dialogue was taking place with the DH and they had stated that were hoping to let West Berkshire have the necessary information during the week leading up to the 12^th December. The final deadline date was 9^th January 2015, so there was more time if required.

Tandra Forster added that they had entered a period of clarification and were awaiting a proposal from DH. West Berkshire was one of three authorities, that would be changing its criteria eligibility and all would be facing similar pressures.

Adrian Barker asked if the voluntary sector or members of the public had been involved in the Project Board. Tandra Forster highlighted that there had been Call to Action events held in public. Evaluation of feedback was ongoing. The establishment of a public Care Steering Group was a possible option.

Cathy Winfield reported that there was a BCF tracker that ensured work was targeted and measured impacts and outcomes. Tandra Forster commented that metrics had been agreed for all projects and the metric start date was 1^st April 2015, which was when impacts would begin to become apparent.

Adrian Barker queried the hub. Tandra Forster reported that this created consistency and avoided duplications in the system. Currently it was just a professionally based hub. Cathy Winfield added that the hub enabled consistency in response and closely linked to the obligations set out in the Care Act. Nikki Luffington reported that this sat with the national team. 

Regarding the offer from the DH Councillor Franks reported that a deadline of the end of October 2014 had originally been agreed. Due to continued negotiations this deadline was extended until the end of November however, an offer had still not been received from the DH.

Councillor Franks proposed that a letter be drafted from Wokingham and West Berkshire Council, referencing local Members of Parliament, asking the DH to provide an offer by midday on 5^th December. If the DH failed to meet this deadline, Members of Parliament would be asked to escalate the issue.

Cathy Winfield queried if it was a Local Authority action or Health and Wellbeing Board action. Councillor Franks stated that it was important that the Care Act was not decoupled from the BCF. Nick Carter added that the letter would come from the Local Authority with the intention of confirming timescales.

Councillor Franks proposed that the revised deadline date of 5^th December be submitted to the DH. If the Board approved this date the Local Authority would draft the letter as detailed above. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Keith Chopping.

RESOLVED that the Health and Wellbeing Board supported the revised DH offer deadline date of 5^th December 2014.