Issue - meetings

1. Cabinet noted the availability of the Fund and initial proposals.

2. Authority be delegated to the Director of Community Services and Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Services to finalise the Bid.

The Cabinet Member for Social Services introduced the report to advise of the purpose of the Intermediate Care Fund, the application process, and to outline proposals for Flintshire’s bid.  She explained that as the Authority was at the initial planning and development stage of the bidding process the report was presented for information.  She continued that Members may wish to consider arrangements for securing political endorsement of the final bid which needed to be made within tight timescales.

                        The Cabinet Member explained that the Welsh Government (WG) had developed an Intermediate Care Fund to encourage integrated working between local authorities (including Housing and Social Care), Health, and other partners.  Funding was targeted at supporting older people to maintain their independence and remain in their own home. The Fund was available for 2014-15 only and could not be used to substitute existing funding streams.  The indicative allocation for Flintshire was £1,926m.  The Authority was required to develop its bid in close partnership with Local Health Boards and third and independent sector partners which would have a critical role in delivering services associated with the fund. The Cabinet Member advised that there were no definitive proposals or costed models developed as yet but the initial areas of dialogue with partners had been included in the report.

                        Councillor Chris Bithell referred to preventative and wellbeing services and sought clarification on the areas within the East and South locality in relation to the e expansion of provision of Falls prevention.

            RESOLVED:

            (a)       That the availability of the Fund and initial proposals be noted; and

(b)       That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and the Director of Community Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Services to finalise the bid.