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 February, the number of outstanding invoices had reduced from 36 to 23, none of which were under one year in age, demonstrating that current invoices were now being processed in a timely manner following the introduction of strengthened arrangements.  The resolution of long-term invoices continued to be addressed through regular meetings and the independent arbitration process had recovered a further £0.098m of long-standing debt.  Since first discussed at this Committee in October 2022, there had been a 63.3% reduction in outstanding invoices which equated to £0.813m.  At the start of July, long-term invoices totalling £0.273m (relating to five individuals) were being progressed through arbitration.

The Chairman queried the figures arising from the £0.327m reported in February as going through arbitration.  In addition, he suggested some reasoning on why the operating debt level appeared to have increased from that reported in February.

Councillor Bill Crease said that a standardised approach in presenting the data would assist the Committee in scrutinising and reconciling the figures.

The Chairman recognised that the outstanding amount was reducing which demonstrated that processes were working.  He suggested that the Senior Manager liaise with him to review the figures so that an update could be scheduled for September.

The recommendation was moved and seconded by Councillors Bill Crease and Jason Shallcross.

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.