Issue - meetings

That the Committee notes the continued proactive budget management of outstanding invoices raised by the Council for payment by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The Senior Manager (Safeguarding and Commissioning) presented an update on current long-term debt with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) in respect of the delivery of NHS Continuing Health Care packages in Flintshire since the last report in December 2022.

A breakdown of the position at the end of January 2023 showed outstanding invoices totalling £0.666m which included £0.127m due to be repaid within the coming weeks.  Since December 2022, the independent arbitration process between the Council and BCUHB had proved successful in recovering £0.114m of long-standing debt, leaving £0.327m to be discussed through arbitration arrangements which would shortly recommence following a temporary delay due to absences.  The remaining operating debt level of £0.211m was a 15.65% improvement from that reported in December.

In welcoming the progress, the Chairman thanked officers and the Committee for their participation in reaching this position.  However, he highlighted the £0.327m as a potential risk, should the arbitration process be unsuccessful in resolving those invoices.

His comments were echoed by Councillor Bill Crease.

Councillor Paul Johnson acknowledged the role of the Committee in raising awareness of the matter and paid tribute to the officers and BCUHB for their input.

The recommendation was moved and seconded by Councillors Jason Shallcross and Kevin Rush.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the continued proactive budget management of outstanding invoices raised by the Council for payment by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.