Agenda item

Steph Downey attended to provide the Board with an overview of the LGA Green Paper on the future of adult social care. It was highlighted that the paper provides an excellent opportunity for a whole system response to the proposals.

It was noted from the report that the LGA will reflect on the consultation findings in a future publication to influence the Government’s plans for their Green paper, budget, the NHS Plan and the Spending Review.

A presentation was delivered to the Board providing further information and detail on the Green Paper. It was noted from the presentation that adult social care has been underfunded for many years and that things cannot continue as they are. It was further highlighted that this is a nationwide debate about how to fund the care we want for adults of all ages and how social care, the NHS and other public services can work together to support and improve people’s wellbeing.

It was noted that as a Health & Wellbeing Board our focus should be on three of the six areas covered by the Green Paper which are: Funding for adult social care, options for change and how changes should be paid for.

From the presentation an overview of the Council’s role in improving health and wellbeing was provided in addition to a breakdown of the questions being asked of Councils from the Green Paper.

It was said that whilst the presentation provided many facts and figures the issue of funding adult social care is largely a moral issue. It was further stated that the question of funding social care should be a public decision, particularly if there is the likelihood of increased taxation. It was highlighted that the current funding model is unsustainable in light of Council budget cuts and increasing social care expenditure.

A comment was made that those who work within the adult social care sector often have little to no options for career progression and are poorly paid; it was said that this is a strain on the workforce which impacts on service delivery across the country and this needs to change.

It was noted that profiteering from social care provision needs to stop and that a progressive taxation would be needed to fund provision. It was also agreed that the voice of those working within the sector should be heard in this consultation and could be done so via trade unions.

The prevention agenda within Gateshead was highlighted noting that preventative care will reduce demand for many adult social care services. It was also noted that whilst Gateshead is trying its best there is still inequality of funding across the country for care services which is unfair.

It was said that currently, the adult social care system and the way it is funded provides a false economy. It was also stated that the prevention agenda and the funding of mental health services should be made a priority.

A comment was made that health services acknowledge the pressures on adult social care services and that the Green Paper should receive a strong response from NHS Leaders. It was also noted there is inequality in the offer of free prescriptions between those with dementia and those with cancer.

It was agreed that input into the whole system response should be received no later than 26 September 2018.

RESOLVED:

(i)            The Board noted the contents of the report and presentation and agreed to coordinate a system wide response to the LGA Green Paper.