Issue - meetings

Members are asked to note the outcome of the public consultation and comment on the proposal to align the Older People and People Living with Dementia Core Offer.

1.    Emma Hanson (Head of Strategic Commissioning – Community Services) introduced the report and provided an update regarding the proposal to end current funding arrangements and commission a new community based well-being service for Older People and People Living with Dementia.

a)    In response to a question, Graham Gibbens confirmed that the new monies for Adult Social Care announced in the March 2017 budget would be used for sustainability of the Social Care market, to impact upon delayed transfers of care and also for activities to do with general social care.

2.    Anu Singh said that the Revenue Support Grant (RSG) had decreased over the years and Social Care needs had grown. She said that whilst Kent were focusing on providing good quality services and supporting outcomes, it was important to make sure that money was spent appropriately and efficiently.

3.    Graham Gibbens said that the demand for Adult Social Care had increased nationwide. He said it was important to be mindful of the allocated budget for Adult Social Care and to be as efficient and careful with the funding available as possible. He said that supporting Mental Health was very important and did not wish to cut voluntary contributions for Mental Health. He said that although Kent were facing challenging times, it was important to make sure that the funds available were used to the best of abilities.

b)    In response to a question, Emma Hanson said that she had attended a Social Prescribing Network meeting and discovered that the number one contributor to Wellbeing was a person’s connection to other people. She said that day services were a good way of tackling social isolation issues. Emma Hanson said that she had met with Age UK who had reached out to 700 older people that used their services to inform them of the day services that were available.

c)    In response to a question, Emma Hanson said that social prescribing overall was successful but there was more that needed to be done with regards to getting practitioners on board.

d)    In response to a question, Emma Hanson discussed communications with Age UK and said that communication was important in helping people learn about what the future held for them and what part they could play in shaping it.

e)    In response to a question, Emma Hanson said that Dementia in social care was to be viewed as a long term issue. Anne Tidmarsh said that this was because circumstances could improve.

f)     In response to a question, Emma Hanson welcomed advertising services on Kent Radio. Graham Gibbens said that he had advertised it on Kent Radio and also through the Kent Messenger group.

4.    RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To receive a report from the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and the Corporate Director of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing about proposals regarding the commissioning of a new community wellbeing service for Older People and People living with Dementia, and notice of a future key decision.

Sam Sheppard (Commissioning Manager, Community Support) and Emma Hanson (Head of Strategic Commissioning, Community Services) were in attendance for this item.

1.    Sam Sheppard introduced the Older People and People Living with Dementia Wellbeing Core Offer and said that it was in consultation on a proposal to commission a range of services for Older People and People Living with Dementia to support them in their communities, promote their wellbeing, enable them to stay connected to their communities, and receive the help and support that was needed. The offer involved ending a number of historic funding arrangements. The Commissioning Team had engaged with the market and also with over 200 older people, people living with dementia and their carers, to discuss the procurement process. Ms Sheppard confirmed that, so far, 134 responses had been received.

a)    A Member asked whether there was a proposal to change Respite Care. Emma Hanson confirmed that Respite Care was delivered in a number of different ways, including the carers contract, but that day services would provide a type of respite care and would remain a key element of the service going forward;

b)    A Member requested further clarification on the Dementia element of the proposed offer and clarification on the whole draft specification. She also wanted to know how the Gravesham Muslim Association would be impacted by the offer and requested to see the completed Equality Impact Assessment. Ms Sheppard confirmed that the draft specification was with the market for comments and once feedback had been collated; the specification would be updated to reflect this. Ms Sheppard confirmed that the offer would ensure that specific groups were referenced to ensure that this was represented. Ms Hanson added that Key Performance Indicators would monitor this. Ms Sheppard confirmed that the completed Equality Impact Assessment was available on the KCC website;

c)    A Member asked for reassurance that the team was confident that it could find the right strategic partners that would support the service and their providers. Ms Hanson confirmed that the team were using the ‘competitive dialogue’ process to put out the initial tender and invite the strategic partners to come into dialogue. In the dialogue, officers would help make sure the appropriate strategic decision was made. Mr Ireland added that the model approach was similar to one used previously which had been very successful, other than a few minor problems; and

d)    A Member commented on communication levels and the need to address concerns.

2. RESOLVED that the consultation and the further opportunity for Committee Members to comment on the recommendations be noted and that the Cabinet Member take the Executive Decision at the end of August 2017.