Agenda item

This report updates the Health and Wellbeing Board on progress in relation to the Better Care Fund (BCF) programme for 2016/17 and 2017/19.

The Board received an update report on progress in relation to the Better Care Fund (BCF) programme for 2016/17 and 2017/19.

Board Members were informed that the BCF national guidance was still awaited.

Referring to 2016/17, the Accountable Officer, NHS Vale of York CCG, stated that progress had been made in working in a more focussed and effective way.  There was, however, uncertainty as to the extent to which the NHS would be required to match its previous contributions which was a real concern.  An emergency meeting had recently been convened to try to find a resolution to these issues.  Preparations were taking place for a system-wide value assessment of schemes to enable an evidence-based approach to be taken on the benefits to those involved in the programmes. This information would be shared with all parties. 

Board Members’ attention was drawn to Annex 1 of the report which listed the BCF Schemes for 2016/17.  It was noted that the Council and CCG were expecting not to be able to deliver some of the schemes.  No decisions had yet been made and hence discussions had not yet taken place with the organisations concerned but it was appreciated that this was a cause of concern. Services could not just cease from 1 April.

Board Members commented on the opportunities to better utilise the BCF.  Referring to paragraph 9 of the report, the Accountable Officer, NHS Vale of York CCG explained that the Accountable Care System was seeking to take a more locality based structure.  It was hoped to utilise the BCF to strengthen the third sector and to work more closely with City of York Council.  The arrangements for next year would be transitional.

Board Members stressed the importance of asking citizens about the services they wanted to be provided and how they should be delivered.  The Director of Public Health stated that decisions had not yet been taken as to which of the services could be continued but there had to be an effective exit strategy and transition plan in place.  Attention was drawn to the risks of just ceasing a service without putting mitigation in place.  Risk analysis impacts needed to be carried out.

Bill Scott, North Yorkshire Police, informed Board Members of a mental health meetingthat had taken place in January 2017 and which had brought services together to identify priorities and develop integrated services.  The key was to translate this into service delivery.  It was important to sustain or extend this provision to protect those who were the most vulnerable.

Referring to paragraph 5 of the report which stated that the majority of the schemes in the BCF had made a positive contribution, the Chair expressed concern that cuts in funding would have the opposite effect.  Funding for the services could not just cease.  More detail was required before decisions were taken.  The Chair also queried whether Equality Impact Assessments had been carried out in view of the significant impact on equalities. 

Board Members agreed on the importance of working together to address this issue.  They requested that more detailed information be presented to them as to how services would be sustained or how the needs of people currently using the services would be met.

Resolved:  (i)      That the issues set out in the report be noted.

                   (ii)      That more detailed information be presented at

                             the next meeting.¹

Reason:     To enable the HWBB to have oversight of the BCF.