Issue - meetings

Report FSD24038

The Committee considered a report which provided details of the final outturn position for the Adult Care and Health Portfolio for 2023/24.

The final outturn for the “controllable” element of the Adult Care and Health budget in 2023/24 is a net overspend of £1,311k, compared to the last reported figure of a net forecast overspend of £1,925k which was based on activity at the end of December 2023. The Head of Finance for Adults, Health and Housing advised that there had been particular pressures on packages and placement budgets, including hospital discharge packages and the Community Equipment contract. However, the use of available grant monies had reduced the overspend.

In response to a question regarding the underspend in Extra Care Housing as a result of the net impact of voids, the Assistant Director for Integrated Commissioning advised that there were 271 units available, however some were considered not to be fit for purpose. Work was being undertaken with the landlord of one scheme to change its use to sheltered housing, which was felt to be more appropriate.

In response to questions, the Head of Finance for Adults, Health and Housing advised that the underspend in quality assurance and safeguarding was primarily related to Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) – this was regarding volume, rather than issues with the service provision. With regards to the deficit in the mental health budget, the Head of Finance for Adults, Health and Housing noted that the full year effect was a snapshot of a moment in time, and did not take into account any packages that were not continuing.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Health be recommended to endorse the 2023/24 final outturn position for the Adult Care and Health Portfolio.