Issue - meetings

(a)          That the Committee is assured of the robust and proactive budget management approach which the Council takes on joint funded care packages; and

(b)          That the Committee notes the amount of annual contributions from Continuing Health Care (CHC) contributions from Health Boards.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) presented a report on the Council’s financial position regarding joint funded care packages including the level of contributions received and income budget targets over the past three years.

The statutory framework developed by the Welsh Government set out arrangements for Health Boards to deliver NHS Continuing Health Care (CHC) within Wales, in partnership with Local Authorities and other organisations.  Working relationships with Health Board colleagues had been developed over the years to agree the most appropriate care for individuals.  It was noted that Flintshire and Wrexham had the highest number of CHC packages in North Wales.  There were a number of challenges arising from the CHC process including adapting to meet the changing needs of individuals within communities.  The report highlighted the additional CHC resources within the Health Board in comparison with the Council where a dedicated CHC Co-ordinator post had been created to support the claims process.  Information was also shared on arrangements for monitoring and escalating outstanding debt levels.

The Principal Accountant (Social Services) provided an overview of the financial processes in place for care packages aligned to budget monitoring arrangements and regular review of debt levels, as detailed in the report.

The Chairman thanked the officers for their attendance.

The recommendations were moved and seconded by Councillors Geoff Collett and Andy Williams.

RESOLVED:

(a)          That the Committee is assured of the robust and proactive budget management approach which the Council takes on joint funded care packages; and

(b)          That the Committee notes the amount of annual contributions from Continuing Health Care (CHC) contributions from Health Boards.