Agenda item

The Interim Director of Adult Social Services will be attending the meeting to present to members the current budget issues facing the council

Phil Porter, Interim Director of Adult Social Services gave a presentation highlighting the budget and pressures for Adult Social Services in the current and future years.  He continued to give a brief overview of the service including the seven divisions within the service, net budget of £108.748m and 359 permanent FTE staff, noting that the service currently had 75 vacancies.  It was clarified that the service did not have recruitment or retention problem and in the main related to normal staff turnover and will be addressed through ongoing recruitment..  The Interim Director of Adult Social Services informed the Committee of the current budget overspend of approximately £290,000, highlighting that they were in a similar position the previous year and noted that they were committed to the actions that would ensure it would be delivered on or under budget. 

Phil Porter drew the Committee’s attention to previous year’s outturn figures, these years forecast figures and the current forecast variance for each budget line.  During discussion it was clarified that £15.35m was spent on concessionary fares and although they did not administer the majority of freedom passes, it was agreed that the number of users for concessionary fares would be made available.  The savings for the past four years were explained with lower savings in 2013/14 than previous years, but  greater savings in 2014/15 and 2015/16 will be required.  It was noted that a large proportion of savings had been through the commissioning and procurement of services and by reducing the number of people supported by ensuring they were cared for in a community rather than residential care setting therefore achieving best value.  In response to queries it was explained that although many elderly persons were unaware of their right to an attendance allowance, the Client Affairs and care management teams actively encouraged resident’s to apply and offer assistance through contacting DWP.  It was further clarified that the £17m public health grant from central government was ring fenced for predominantly sexual health and substance misuse issue with a strong preventative steer.  It was felt there were few voluntary organisations which would be able to support the contracts however the wider scope of promoting healthier living by voluntary organisations would contribute indirectly.  It was clarified that some of the contracts would be procured by Brent with others in partnership across London although for the first year many contracts would be rolled over from the NHS to ensure continuity of service and enable the Council to look to develop and renegotiate the service in subsequent years. 

The Interim Director of Adult Social Services explained the unit cost trends for the various types of care options such as residential and domiciliary care, including forecasts for 2013/14 and changes in demand influencing costs.  During discussion Phil Porter explained that although there was a constant dialogue with providers about cost and quality, the quality of service did not have a direct correlation with the cost of administering the service and the management of the service was as important.  He felt that small care homes could still be viable, but it would depend on their financial model.  It was explained that it was encouraged for residents to receive care at home for as long as possible so people stay independent, and this was also  lower cost.  He clarified once they were at the stage where nursing care was required the cost was much greater due to the higher level of complex needs.  During discussions it was confirmed that the Council was currently working to secure accommodation for extra care and supported living, highlighting that this form of care was funded by the Council with recipient’s accommodation being paid through housing benefit.  Members expressed concern regarding social isolation and although recognised as a possibility, many supported living accommodations held regular activities where residents were often instrumental to the set up.   It was recognised that due to a variety of complex needs, living in the community was not appropriate for all and suitable care was provided within a nursing setting.  Issues of institutionalisation were being addressed with the hope of enabling persons to return to living in the community with the appropriate support with a collaborative approach being undertaken.  The Interim Director of Adult Social Services highlighted that the detail of changes to Care and Support legislation to be implemented in April 2015 and April 2016 were still unknown although it was anticipated that it would place a strain on resources, due to a range of new rights and requirements.  It was felt that the £72,000 cap could be misleading as it only covered the social care element of the costs , not accommodation costs. Therefore, people would be entitled to less from the Council than they might expect.  It was clarified that financial checks would be undertaken and action pursued if it was thought a person had intentionally disposed of their assets to avoid later charges. 

RESOLVED:

Members noted the presentation.