Agenda item

A written report was received from Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing & Adult Social Services.

Notice had been received of five questions on the report, submitted by Members in accordance with Standing Orders.  The first four questions were put and answered as follows:

(i)         From Cllr Wiseman

“I’m pleased the Cabinet Member has reported positively on the Personalisation Agenda, which is a central part of the Government’s patient choice initiative.  Could you give us any up to date numbers of how many patients in York have taken up the individual budget option?”

            The Cabinet Member replied:

“The total number of personal budgets provided by the Council last year was 1,968, or 24.9% of those receiving services. This year, 2011/12, the Council is aiming for a target of 40% of those receiving services receiving personal budgets, which, based on those receiving a service last year, would be 2,725 people.

This number will change slightly as the number of residents receiving services has changed and will change on a yearly basis.

I would, however, note that whilst Personalisation is good for the majority, it may not be suitable for everyone and this must be remembered when looking at numbers in future years.”

(ii)        From Cllr Cuthbertson

”Given that the Cabinet Member  has detailed in her report the meetings she has attended, can she explain if there was a reason why she didn't attend the North Yorkshire and York Housing Board meeting on 6th June?”

            The Cabinet Member replied:

I was not invited to that meeting which may be a consequence of our annual council system and nominations going in late. I was informed the day before so had a briefing with the officer who was going. I then had another briefing after the meeting.  .

(iii)       From Cllr Wiseman

“You note that good progress has been made in the council’s liaison with the PCT and other health partners.  Now that the NHS Listening Exercise is complete, could you tell us what you understand to be the approximate time scale for the handover of PCT responsibilities to GP Commissioning Groups?”

            The Cabinet Member replied:

“It is perhaps a decision that will have consequences, that the NHS Listening Exercise was short in duration and has not taken the time to truly understand concerns raised and taken action following those concerns, before further announcements have been made by the Minister.
With regard to the approximate timescale for the handover of PCT responsibilities to GP Commissioning Groups, I am expecting no change from the original timescale of full responsibility by April 2013. Steps are currently underway to move forward with shadow operating arrangements, although I understand that regionally some doctors are pulling out of the process.
I would also like to agree with recent comments from the GMC which noted that those doctors responsible for commissioning need a detailed understanding of management and how it impacts on patient care. I also believe that those doctors with additional responsibility for the purchasing and delivery of health services must have more detailed knowledge of management processes.
I would totally agree further with the GMC that those who manage have the necessary skills and advice to fulfil their roles and that doctors who are concerned that their management decisions might conflict with their primary duty to patients should seek advice from colleagues or regulatory bodies.
GMC Chief Executive Niall Dickson said that doctors are facing the challenge of delivering quality patient care at a time of economic restraint and that any pause in the process is for the good of patients.

(iv)       From Cllr Reid

            “Would the Executive Member agree that decisive action by the previous administration has meant that residents in council houses will get the opportunity to benefit from reduced electricity charges and improved windows?”

            The Cabinet Member replied:

“I welcome steps being undertaken to reduce high utility bills but I am concerned that the programme had not been funded properly. Officers are working on making sure that the HRA will be in balance at the end of the process.”

The time limit having expired for this item, written answers were circulated after the meeting to the remaining question as follows:

(v)        From Cllr Wiseman

“Regarding your comments on Telecare, I believe the referral rates are up by over 60% due to the efforts of the previous Executive.  You have said that Labour will be  increasing Telecare funding by £250,000, can you tell us from where in the budget  this money will be coming from?”

Reply:

“Councillors and officers are delighted that City of York Council’s Telecare service is the fastest growing Telecare service in the region, as it plays a crucial role in offering new opportunities for home and community based support. It will remain a key service in our drive to respond to the challenge of the York Older People’s Assembly to reshape care provision away from traditional institutional care. The £250K figure is recurring capital funding included as part of the council’s capital funding strategy already approved by council”.