Issue - meetings

Report CSD18202

The Board considered an update on the performance of the Better Care Fund and Improved Better Care Fund during Quarter 2 2018/19, including expenditure and activity levels from Jackie Goad, Executive Assistant, Chief Executive’s Department.

The Better Care Fund was a programme spanning the NHS and the Local Authority which aimed to join up health and care services to support people to manage their own health and wellbeing and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.  The Improved Better Care Fund was an additional funding element added to the Better Care Fund for a three year period from 2017/18 providing further investment in adult social care services.  In the Spring Budget 2017 the London Borough of Bromley was awarded an IBCF Grant of £4.2M in 2017/18, with grant funding of £3.4M and £1.7M to be provided in 2018/19 and 2019/20 respectively.  During 2018/19, the Better Care Fund was being used to fund a number of locally agreed schemes which had driven a reduction in non-elective admissions, delayed transfers of care and the rate of permanent admissions to residential care, as well funding reablement and rehabilitation services that supported older people to remain living independently in their own homes following hospital discharge.  Schemes funded through the Improved Better Care Fund had been developed to meet adult social care needs, reduce pressures on the NHS and support the local social providers market.

In response to a question from a Board Member, the Director: Adult Social Care confirmed that the three additional step-down flats funded via the Improved Better Care Fund were being used at maximum capacity alongside the 12 existing step-down flats.  A detailed report on Extra Care Housing provision would be considered at a meeting of Adult Care and Health PDS Committee later in the 2018/19 municipal year.  Work to progress the Care Homes Investment Options Appraisal was ongoing and further updates would be reported to the Health and Wellbeing Board when available.  A Member noted that 217 young carers had been referred to the Carer’s Pathway within the Bromley Well Service during its first year of operation, and queried whether this related to new referrals or the total cohort and this information would be provided to the Member following the meeting.

RESOLVED that the performance and progress of the Better Care Fund and Improved Better Care Fund schemes, as well as the financial performance for Quarter 2 2018/19 be noted.