Portsmouth City Borough Council Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Social Care Meeting

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Winnington declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 3 as he works for Solent Mind and has some involvement with Section 75 agreements but not those referred to in the report.

Andy Biddle, Director of Adult Social Care, introduced the report, noting that there was a recent challenge to seconding colleagues but it should not prevent partnership working.

Members said integrated working was important and were impressed with the case study, which was worthwhile reading and effective in enabling residents to get the help they need. The subject of the study could have had an "ordinary" life if his childhood had not been disrupted so early care may need to be looked into more than it is now.

In response to questions from members, Mr Biddle explained that secondments can either be managed differently or continue in the current form while noting the risks. ASC feels the current arrangement is the best way to operate and intends to proceed with effect from 1 October 2022. As with other services where secondment agreements are used it is a matter of noting concerns but ASC feels the agreements are compliant with how it works.

Councillor Winnington thanked officers for the report and for the powerful case study which shows the importance of integration. When the s.75 agreement was last renewed three years ago it was known that there would be changes to integration and a different approach needed.

Mr Biddle said prior to the creation of the Integrated Care System (ICS) in July 2022 there were concerns at local level about possible disruption. Therefore, ASC worked with the shadow ICS by discussing the model used in Portsmouth and the importance of integrated arrangements. ASC worked co-operatively and collaboratively with the ICS and the Integrated Care Board. It has now renewed the overarching s.75 agreement between the NHS and the local authority and is putting more detail into the schedules that govern services. Portsmouth's model echoes the spirit of the legislation that created the ICS and other models in Hampshire. Now that the ICS is legally enacted ASC is seeing how to work within aligned budgets and other agreements. It has the support of the ICS to continue working as it is.

Councillor Winnington had met with the Chief Executives of Southern Health and Solent NHS Trust the previous week where they explained their proposal to merge. He had some anxiety that the local place model of delivery might be lost. However, they saw place as the way forward. They praised Portsmouth's integration and saw it as a model. The renewed three-year s.75 agreement would cover the time period of any merger. The report is encouraging as it shows work on the s.75 agreement would not change even if there is a merger. 

DECISION

The Cabinet Member delegated authority to the Director of Adult Social Care tonegotiate and enter into a new Adult Mental Health, (AMH) s.75 agreement for a period of three years, from 1 October 2022, once a legally compliant staffing model has been agreed.

Andy Biddle, Director of Adult Social Care (ASC), introduced the report, explaining that complaints relating to finance were shown under the Financial Assessment & Benefits Team but covered a range of services such as deputyship and billing. For the next annual report Mr Biddle will ask the Complaints Team to break down complaints further to see exactly where they are coming from. He is working with central finance colleagues to resolve some of them as they not all ASC issues.

Councillor Winnington thanked Mr Biddle for the comprehensive report which gives a good breakdown of complaints and responses. It is important that councillors and MPs are aware they can make complaints and enquiries and have them recorded as being from public servants. Compliments are low and often not recorded as staff think they are just doing their job but their hard work should be recognised. He has asked ASC to implement a mechanism to record compliments in the annual report. People have the right to complain when things are not going right but compliments should also be recorded, especially when difficult situations were involved. Councillor Winnington thanked all those involved with the complaints process and the report. 

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Matt Gummerson, Head of Strategic Intelligence & Research, introduced the report on behalf of the Director of Public Health, noting that it effectively acts as a summary of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. The infographic on page 3 of the Executive Summary has now been published on the website.

Members thanked Mr Gummerson for the report and said the executive summary with the infographics was useful when talking to members from areas other than health.

Councillor Winnington thanked colleagues for their work on the report. It helps with partnership working, developing strategies and targeting the right areas, for example, it can help organisations with their travel to work and environmental strategies. It also shows the different demographics between areas, for example, Dorset has an older population so there is less strain on children's services whereas it is the other way round in Portsmouth. There can never be enough information, especially when making bids. It is also helpful for comparisons with Portsmouth's statistical neighbours to ensure Portsmouth receives the right kind of support in the right areas. 

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.