Agenda item

Dave Shipton, Head of Finance (Policy, Planning & Strategy) was in attendance for this item.

1. Mr Oakford introduced the draft budget and provided a high-level overview. It was noted that since the previous meeting, the draft budget had now been balanced. Mr Oakford thanked the work of the Adult Social Care leadership team which had put forward measures to build resistance to demand growth pressures and identified savings of over £50 million. It was noted that difficult decisions had been made to balance the budget and an overview was provided of the key measures.  

2. Mr Watkins noted that due to increasing cost pressures, the Adult Social Care budget was on course to reach £1 billion. It was said that since the last meeting considerable work had gone into the delivery plans on how to implement the £50 million of savings.  

3. Further to comments and questions from Members, it was noted that: 

1. Mr Watkins said that if no action was taken then demographic changes alone would have added £100 million to the Adult Social Care budget, but the range of measures the directorate had taken would save £53 million of this meaning there would still be a net increase to the overall Adult Social Care Budget. It was said that all statutory support, assessments and care packages would not be threatened.  

2. In response to a question about capital receipts, Mr Oakford said that previously capital receipts went into the capital programme to avoid borrowing. A change in regulations had allowed transformation projects to be funded by capital receipts to offset base budget pressures and contribute to savings going forward. It was noted there would be £15 to £16 million generated from asset disposal, of which £8 million had been highlighted to come into the base budget for Adults and Children's Social Care transformation programmes.

3. Mr Watkins noted that the contract extensions to be discussed later in the meeting would not affect the 5% savings in contract negotiations outlined in the budget. Other measures would be taken to deliver this saving. Richard Ellis said that the recommissioning of contracts was not dependent on the savings attributed to commissioned services. There was a lot of work needed to manage demand growth and achieve fairer pricing which would lead to savings. A Member said that a satisfactory reason had not been provided as to why these contract extensions were in line with the budget proposals. 

4. Much work had been done to move people from non-framework providers to framework providers and noted that this meant that some people may have to wait longer for care as framework providers were prioritised, but all statutory responsibilities would be met. A Member said that more information was needed on what impact these savings would have on the people of Kent and statutory duties. Mr Watkins said that changes in the commissioning of capacity and care home services would occur within the extension periods. Richard Ellis provided an overview of changes that were to be made during the extension periods, such as reducing the use of short-term care beds. 

5. The review of in-house services was a review of all commissioned services and reviewing the Council’s position in the market to decide if to increase or reduce the provision of in-house services or the provision of direct care services. Mr Smith noted that this work was ongoing. 

6. Mr Smith outlined the demographic growth drivers and said that they understood these growth drivers very well. It was noted that traditional residential care would continue but too many people were using these services so more would be done to improve preventative services and keep people in their own homes longer. This was a society-wide approach working with several partners to respond to the growing demographic changes and move beyond the traditional offer of residential care. 

7. It was noted that Social Care would remain means-tested, and the intention was to assess people before they enter crisis so that the care is appropriate and meets individual’s needs. A Member asked how many people were going to be reassessed and what was the timeframe, it was also asked if it had been ensured that this process would not prove to be detrimental to recipients’ mental well-being. Ms Hill noted the Council had statutory duties to review and reassess people who were receiving care. The reassessments were part of the adult social care plan and would look at how individuals could benefit from technology-enhanced lives, enablement offers and other programmes which would also offer financial efficiencies. Mr Smith noted the situation was not ideal due to the lack of a long-term funding settlement for Adult Social Care and that social care would continue to be provided in a person-centred manner while delivering positive outcomes. 

8. Mr Watkins noted that a commitment to recruiting and retaining social workers remained and would be central to providing a new way of delivering care. 

9. A Member noted the vital role unpaid carers had in the provision of care and support in the community. It was said that carers' assessments had been delayed which was having an impact on the delivery of care. Richard Ellis said that different teams were responsible for the delivery of carers' assessments and the care assessments. It was also noted that reassessments were a standard part of care. 

10. A Member said that the lack of increase in funding for equipment so people can receive care at home longer was a major issue. Richard Ellis said that the equipment contract had recently been recommissioned which would generate efficiencies. 

4. RESOLVED the Adult Social Care Cabinet Committee noted the updated revenue budget and MTFP, draft capital strategy and programme, and draft Treasury Management Strategy

5. In accordance with paragraph 16.31 of the Constitution, Mr Brady, Ms Meade, Mr Campkin, Ms Hawkins and Mr Streatfeild wished for it to be recorded in the minutes that they voted against the updated revenue budget and MTFP, draft capital strategy and programme, and draft Treasury Management Strategy.