Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services which provided Cabinet with an update on the framework which the Care Quality Commission (CQC) began to use in April 2023 to assess how local authorities discharge their Adult Social Care duties under Part 1 of The Care Act 2014.

The report also provided Cabinet with information relating to the update to the Government’s plan for care and support reform, ‘Next steps to Put People at the Heart of Care’ April 2023 (for copy of report see file of minutes).

Councillor C Hood, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services highlighted that much had happened since the last update to Cabinet relating to the implementation of the CQC Local Authority Assessment Framework and that from 1 April 2023 the CQC’s regulatory powers came into effect.

Development work continued to progress from the recent annual conversation as referred to in the previous Cabinet report. Councillor Hood was particularly pleased to note the improved processes for governance and oversight that provided members and executive management team assurance of how the responsibilities to discharge the Adult Social Care duties under Part 1 of The Care Act were being met.

The ongoing monitoring of the feedback and outcomes of assurance activity which had been carried out within the local authority would continue to be analysed and used to inform service plans and drive further improvement and innovation.

Significant work was being undertaken in preparation for the assessment process. This included working in conjunction with other local authorities across the North East ADASS footprint, developing thought processes, sharing learning, and providing mutual support.

In relation to ‘Next steps to Put People at the Heart of Care’ published in April 2023 it was pleasing to note that the local authority was undertaking a body of work to respond to key themes and much work was already in development locally with close monitoring on changes.

As referenced in Appendix 4 of the report there was short term government funding being provided to support capacity associated with market sustainability and improvement.  However, not all funding proposed has been forthcoming and challenges remain.  For example, in the reduction from £500m for investment into workforce as indicated in the White Paper to now £250m over the next 2 years and the removal from the final publication of the £300m to integrate housing and local health and care strategies.

Councillor Hood would look forward to bringing further updates to Cabinet in due course

Resolved:

That the report be noted.