Agenda item

Purpose: to seek agreement to adopt and publish the Adult Social Care (ASC) Strategy. 

Resolved that the Adult Social Care Strategy is adopted and published.

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      a delay in implementing the decision this would cause the Council serious financial implications or could compromise the Council's position.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Lynne Doherty explained that she had approved a request by Councillor Jo Stewart to make a brief statement prior to proceeding with the remainder of the agenda items.

Councillor Stewart took the opportunity to report to Members the conclusion of the consultation in relation to the future of Notrees Care Home. It was noted that the original recommendation had suggested closure of the home due to the significant investment required to the building and the fact that it provided care for residents with relatively low needs which was a declining area of the market.

Councillor Stewart reported that the consultation had closed and thanked all who had responded. Feedback had been clear that the service was valued by residents, their families and the local community and that closure would be particularly detrimental.

Councillor Stewart was pleased to announce that officers in Adult Social Care would update their recommendation to non-closure and explore ways to keep the home open.

Councillor Stewart reported that a letter would be sent to residents and their families informing them of the news, and an updated report with revised options and recommendations would be reviewed at Executive in September. 

Councillor Doherty thanked Councillor Stewart for the update.

Councillor Stewart introduced and proposed adoption of the Adult Social Care Strategy (Agenda Item 6).

Councillor Vickers commented that he was pleased at the change in recommendation for Notrees Care Home.

Councillor Vickers queried why the report was not subject to ‘call-in’. Andy Sharp responded that to delay publication of the Strategy, would delay production of the Delivery Plan. It was noted that there were a number of legislative changes currently taking place that the Strategy incorporated, and that not having a Strategy would weaken the position of the Council to respond to the changes.

Councillor Jeff Brooks commented that whilst he was pleased that Notrees Care Home would remain open, the proposals had caused much anxiety and the Executive should have been more thorough in their research prior to originally announcing its closure. 

Councillor Brooks commented that the Strategy lacked detail and appeared to be a ‘tick box’ exercise.

Councillor Stewart acknowledged that in relation to Notrees Care Home it was not ideal to have put people in that position and that consequently she, and the Adult Social Care Service Director, had visited the home that day to put the residents, their families and staff minds at rest and alleviate concern.

Councillor Stewart commented that it was a shame that all strategies tended to attract the same criticism, when the intention was to try and introduce better services for residents. Councillor Stewart stated that the delivery plan would provide the detail to make the changes and commented that she would be working with the Adult Social Care teams to ensure a strong delivery plan.

Councillor Carolyne Culver drew attention to the ‘Build Back Better’ section of the Strategy and queried whether there was any indication from central government in relation to problems that it may pose for the Council in terms of cost and having to provide services to more people.

Councillor Culver further queried membership of the Carers Strategy Board, and what was being done to assist unpaid carers in relation to respite care.

Councillor Culver suggested that in association with planning colleagues it would be beneficial to ensure that new build developments included pre-adapted units of housing for the elderly or those with disabilities.

Councillor Stewart commented that Councillor Culver’s final point was an interesting suggestion and that she would pursue it further

Andy Sharp reported that the Carers Strategy Board was comprised of carers’ organisations and carers themselves, and that he would provide a more detailed written response following the meeting.

Andy Sharp commented that ‘Build Back Better’ was still evolving, however some government guidance had been received which officers were analysing and reviewing in relation to costs and impact. 

In relation to section 3.10 of the Strategy, Councillor Vickers commented that historically there was a team who used to visit the elderly and disabled and provide ‘hands on’ guidance in using digital technology. Councillor Vickers queried whether this still occurred.

Andy Sharp commented that it was part of the model of care and support that was currently provided.

Councillor Stewart commented that improving respite care was particularly important and that options were being investigated in relation to proposals for the future of Notrees Care Home.

Councillor Graham Bridgman drew attention to the size of the adult population detailed on page 6 of the Strategy, commenting that the numbers were estimated in mid-2019 and based on the 2011 Census figures. Councillor Bridgman noted that the over 65 population was estimated as 30,568, and that numbers recently published in the 2021 Census had reported a figure of 31,600. This equated to a 3.38% increase between 2011 and 2021. As such, Councillor Bridgman concluded that West Berkshire was an area with a growing over 65 population which would ultimately lead to increased pressure on the Adult Social Care service.

Councillor Bridgman seconded the recommendation.

RESOLVED that: Executive adopt and publish the Adult Social Care Strategy.