Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Lynne Powrie - Maureen Falloon attended as her alternate.

The following declarations of personal interest were made:

• Brebner Anderson as a member of Bromley Healthcare Board
• Councillor Judi Ellis declared that her father had dementia and was resident in a care home in Bromley.
• Angela Clayton-Turner declared that her husband was in a Bromley Care Home.
• Leslie Marks declared that she had a son in a care home.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, questions to this Committee must be received in writing 4 working days before the date of the meeting.  Therefore please ensure questions are received by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on Wednesday, 28^th November 2012.

3 written questions were received from members of the public and these are attached at Appendix 1.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, questions to the Portfolio Holder must be received in writing 4 working days before the date of the meeting.  Therefore please ensure questions are received by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on Wednesday, 28^th November 2012.

No questions had been received.

Three amendments were noted:

·  Minute 19 – Brian James had tendered his apologies.

·  Minute 20 – Angela Clayton-Turner had declared an interest as her husband was in a Bromley care home.

·  Minute 32 – Council Motion – Membership of Housing Working Party – should read Councillor Catherine Rideout not Charles.

RESOLVED that the minutes from the meeting held on 4^th September 2012 be agreed, subject to the amendments outlined above.

Report CS12055

The Committee considered its Work Programme for 2012/13 and progress on the matters arising from previous meetings.

The Care Services Portfolio Holder to present scheduled reports for pre-decision scrutiny on matters where he is minded to make decisions.

The Committee considered the following reports for pre-decision scrutiny on matters where the Care Services Portfolio Holder was minded to take decisions.

In April 2012 the Children and Young Peoples Portfolio Holder agreed that the contract for services for children and young people with mental health needs (CAMHS) commissioned by the Council from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust would be extended until 31^st March 2013 to sustain provision whilst a review of CAMHS was undertaken. In order to identify what was required in the future a gateway review of CAMHS services commissioned by the Council had been undertaken to consider the services in detail.

  The report made recommendations for the future focus of CAMHS, the allocation of resources and for the extension of current contracts to the end of March 2014 to enable the reconfigured service model to be specified and tendered.

Although the review was carried out in consultation with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), it primarily focused on services funded by the Council, driven partly by the timescales for the Council’s current contracts, two of which would end in March 2013. However it was clear that it would be detrimental to the wider CAMHS agenda for the Council to unilaterally change the focus of its commissioning in isolation from the funding and services commissioned by the CCG.

The CCG had indicated that it supported the findings of the review and acknowledged that any new service model needed to take into account the impact on and linkages between all of the tiers of service. It was therefore proposed that during 2013 the Council and the CCG would jointly develop the new service model in detail and agree respective funding streams and that the new services be procured in readiness for implementation in April 2014.

Of the three current Council contracts, two were due to end in March 2013 with the other due to end in March 2014.  Subject to agreement of the proposals it was recommended that the timescales for all three contracts be aligned. Therefore, authorisation was sought from the Portfolio Holder to:

·  extend the contract with Oxleas Trust for the provision of CAMHS for one year until March 31^st 2014

·  extend the contract with Bromley Y for the provision of Counselling services for one year until March 31^st 2014

The proposal to extend the two contracts due to end on the 31/3/2013 would have no financial implications as they would be contained within existing resources.  This would allow officers sufficient time to procure a more comprehensive service model.

Officers would work with existing providers in the next few months to identify the potential for savings in 2013/14 and explained that if time was taken to develop the service it should build a robust model which will meet future needs.

A co-opted member commented that he was aware of case where there had not been engagement with parents – the Chairman invited him to provide the details to officers so that these could be followed up.

RESOLVED that the recommendations be supported and the Portfolio Holder be requested to:

(1)  Endorse that the focus of the Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43a

Report SC12046

Officers sought approval for the draft Tenancy Strategy for 2013 – 15, attached at Appendix 1 to the report. In line with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011, the draft strategy set out the Council’s approach to tenure reform in the social housing sector and outlined the objectives to be taken into account by social housing landlords as they formulated their own tenancy policies.

A number of changes to legislation, regulatory frameworks and funding mechanisms had occurred recently that impacted both on how existing affordable housing was managed and how it was delivered.

This proposal fulfilled the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 for local authorities to have a tenancy strategy agreed by 15 January 2013, setting out matters to which individual Registered Providers (housing associations) in the area must have regard when setting their own policies in relation to:

?  The kind of tenancies they would grant.

?  Where they granted tenancies for a fixed term, the length of those terms.

?  The circumstances under which they would grant tenancies of a particular type.

?  The circumstances under which a tenancy may or may not be re-issued at the end of the fixed term in the same property or in a different property.

The strategy also reconfirmed the council’s position in relation to:

?  The application of the affordable rent tenure.

?  Discharging the Council’s homelessness duty into the private rented sector.

The allocations scheme which defined the process for allocating affordable housing in Bromley through the common housing register and nominations agreement with all stock holding RPs in the area was reviewed and updated in December 2011 in advance of the forthcoming Localism Act. It would now be reviewed independently of the tenancy strategy to ensure that it reflected any changes introduced as a result of the Localism Act and relevant government guidance.

Within the above framework the tenancy strategy had been developed with the following objectives:-

·  Making best use of the available housing stock for those that most needed it, for as long as they needed it, including reducing overcrowding, tackling under-occupation, and making best use of adapted housing for those with a disability.

·  Offering tenancies which were in the best interest of the individual household.

·  Protecting and providing stability for vulnerable people and promote independence.

·  Promoting economic activity and not disincentivise work.

·  Encouraging the development of new affordable housing.

·  Increasing local and customer accountability for the use of affordable and social housing.

·  Promoting sustainable communities.

Officers explained that the strategy should have a positive effect on the waiting list and that they had consulted with Housing Associations (HA) who were keen on the changes.

Members noted a number of incidents where exceptions might need to be made such as foster carers who needed to keep rooms available for possible placements and those that had adaptations to their property. Officers confirmed this was an area of concern and that options were being considered as how to minimise the impact for specific groups which are currently being identified. The Director added  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43b

Report RES12180

On 24th October 2012, the Executive had received the 2nd quarterly capital monitoring report for 2012/13 and agreed a revised Capital Programme for the four year period 2012/13 to 2015/16. The report highlighted, in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.3, the changes agreed by the Executive in respect of the Capital Programme for the Care Services Portfolio and also highlighted, in Appendix B, progress on schemes in the 2012/13 programme. The revised programme for this portfolio was set out in Appendix A.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be asked to confirm the changes agreed by the Executive in October.

The Trust Special Administrator (TSA), Matthew Kershaw, had been due to attend the Committee.  Due to “double booking” he was unable to attend and Dr Angela Bhan attended in his place. The Chairman and the Committee expressed their disapproval at the absence of Mr Kershaw.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Carr, addressed the Committee.  He felt it was “inappropriate” that Mr Kershaw was not at the meeting and that he should be in attendance. He had written to Mr Kershaw to advise him that his attendance was required and had received confirmation that he would be present.  Councillor Carr had also asked for an extension to the consultation period as the effect of the consultation would be far reaching and there had not been sufficient time for the Local Authority to consider it. This view was shared by the Committee. Dr Bhan agreed to convey to Mr Kershaw the Committee’s disappointment.

Members then made a number of comments and asked questions to which Dr Bhan responded.  These were as follows:

·  Ward Councillors for Beckenham and Penge were concerned that a public  meeting had not been organised in the Beckenham/Penge area; they felt that their residents had been disadvantaged by this, and that more time should have been allowed for the consultation, especially as the scope of the review was more wide ranging than expected. 

In response Dr Bhan said that the legal requirement was to hold one meeting but there had actually been 14 meetings.  However she accepted that there had not been a meeting in Beckenham and she was happy to take back any comments. The consultation had to follow a legal timetable which the TSA could not alter. There would be further opportunities for dialogue after the end of formal consultation. 

·  In relation to the Beckenham Beacon (the Beacon), many residents used this facility rather that the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH). Had consideration been given to how people travelled and where they came from?

The Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) intention was to continue to use the Beacon.  The South London Healthcare Trust (SLHT) had underutilised this site and there was capacity to include other services.  Further work was needed to consider which services could be provided at the Beacon.

·  The changes to GP services meant that, at some practices, it was increasingly more difficult to obtain an appointment, with many practices using telephone consultations.

The CCG were aware of this problem and agreed that access needed to be improved; this was mentioned in one of the appendices attached to Mr Kershaw’s report.  GPs were doing more consultations by telephone, and in some cases this was justified.

·  Whilst it was recognised that Lewisham Hospital would still retain an urgent care centre the public may not understand this and would be more likely to attend the A&E department at the PRUH. The parking at the hospital was currently insufficient and would not be able to support further demand.

There had been some modelling undertaken in relation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

Report RES123205

At the meeting of Council held on 12^th November 2012 the following motion was moved Councillor by John Getgood and seconded by Councillor Kathy Bance:

“This council welcomes the positive and helpful recommendations of the Special Administrator to deal with the financial problems associated with the South London Health Trust in his initial report published on 29^th October 2012. 

However, this Council is deeply concerned that the proposals to close Orpington Hospital, the Lewisham A&E and Maternity units and to withdraw services from the Beckenham Beacon will be harmful to the standards of health care for people living in Bromley. 

This council calls on the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive to respond to the consultation by drawing attention to these concerns and to approach the four Members of Parliament representing the Borough to present a united response to the Special Administrator on the recommendations he will finally make to the Secretary of State for Health.”

The Leader of the Council confirmed that he had written to local MPs and the Trust Special Administrator after the Council meeting.

RESOLVED that the motion be noted.

Report CS12039

Members considered the budget monitoring position for 2012/13 based on activity up to the end of September 2012.

Forecasts based on the latest activity available showed an overspend of £531,000 on Bed & Breakfast accommodation for 2012/13 after the use of grant funding that was carried forward from 2011/12  of £453,000.  The projected full year cost pressures were £1,047,000 and this sum had been included in the four year financial forecast for 2013/14.  The number of B&B placements was currently fairly stable averaging at around 326 for the last few months although without the “invest to save” initiatives the numbers would have been 446.

The Chairman expressed disappointment that, due to overspending in other areas, the Health Authority had not been able to support the Admissions Avoidance Service as had been agreed.  Consequently, despite it reducing the numbers of admissions, the service had been closed.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  The projected under spend of 1,935k, based on information as at September 2012, be noted.

(2)  The Portfolio Holder be requested to approve the report. 

Members considered the current level of Education and Care Services (ECS) debt and the action being taken in order to reduce the level of long-term debt.

One co-opted member asked if the invoices sent to adults with learning difficulties (LD) were a standard invoice as they were not easy to understand. Officers confirmed that there was a standard invoice, but would consider ways to make it easier for people with LD to understand.

Officers explained that the team were very proactive and a relatively small amount of debt had to be written off.

This report would be submitted on an annual basis.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  The current level of debt over a year old owing to ECS and action being undertaken to reduce this sum be noted.

(2)  Further reports be submitted on an annual basis.

This report provided Members with the final Care Services Portfolio Plan for 2012/13 (Appendix 2) together with the most recent update on progress against the Quarter two Care Services aims contained within the Plan.

The portfolio framework and plan were developed over a period of time in consultation with senior officers and the Portfolio Holder and the framework was agreed at the June Care Services PDS meeting. 

Good progress was reported at the end of Quarter two with the update highlighting the work undertaken to achieve the portfolio aims. The summary showed that of the 34 aims due to be reported at this point in the year, 20 were on target (rated green) 13 were likely to be achieved by the end of the year (rated amber) and 1 was unlikely to be achieved (rated red). 

The Plan detailed the seven priority outcomes and supporting aims for the Care Services Portfolio.  Of these, Outcome three was a jointly held aim with the Education Portfolio and Outcomes four to nine related solely to Care Services.  Outcomes one and two related to the Education Portfolio and therefore did not form part of this report.

Members asked for clarification on a number of points:

• Outcome 3 – Disability focussed youth club: The numbers for the usage of the Hawes Down Centre disability focussed youth club appeared to be low at 15-20 per session.  Officers would clarify the actual figures.

• Outcome 4 – New foster carers: A Co-opted Member asked whether the figure of 16 new foster carers recruited since April 2012 was those recruited to provide placements for children with complex needs, who were particularly needed, or all foster carers generally. It was probably the latter, but this would be checked. 

• Outcome 5 - Looked after Children (LAC) placements: Any child away from placement for 24 hours was, by legal definition, counted as a move.  The Chairman felt that a note for clarification should be added to the plan.

• Outcome 5 - LAC dental and medical checks and immunisation plans: Members commented that the percentages seemed quite low; it was noted that there were sometimes problems with establishing whether children coming into care had been immunised.

• Outcome 5 - Healthy Schools Initiative: Officers clarified that this referred to all schools including academies and independent schools. Members requested clarification on the numbers of school nurses - officers would provide this information outside of the meeting. The Chairman suggested that this aim should be flagged as red rather than amber.

• Outcome 8 - Carers Assessments: It was explained that the aim was to encourage carers to have an assessment in their own right, rather than just as part of the assessment of the person they cared for.

• Outcomes 6, 7, 8 & 9 - Self funders: Members asked if it was possible to identify “self funders” for domiciliary care.  The Director explained that the Council did not have the resources to gather this information and many self-funders would object to being included on council lists.

RESOLVED  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

Report CS12045

Officers presented a report which provided an overview of the half year performance of Housing Needs and Housing Development & Strategy against the key objectives and targets for 2012/13. The Chairman noted that 14 under-occupiers had moved – this did not appear to be many, but this had taken a lot of “hand holding”.  She wanted to ensure this continued and that funding was available to support it.

An update report would be brought back to the Committee in the New Year.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  The performance against the key objectives and targets in the 2012/13 Portfolio Plan and work plan for these service areas be noted.

(2)   The comments on the priorities for the remainder of the year, as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report, in response to the drivers set out from paragraph 3.3, be noted. 

Officers presented the finalised Strategy for Mental Wellbeing in Bromley following consultation on the draft.  The Joint Strategy for Mental Wellbeing in Bromley 2012-2015 had developed the priorities for the next three years for mental health services following consideration of a wide range of evidence and views. These included an assessment of need, a review of national advice and consultation with stakeholders, including users and carers.

Members expressed concern at the wording at the beginning of paragraph 2.1 - this was standard wording but the Chairman felt that as this was a Bromley document it ought to be reviewed.

Brian James asked about references to people with Learning Difficulties as he could only find one in the strategy. Officers explained that they were considered under the review and remodelling of CAMHS. The Chairman felt that awareness of services for people with learning difficulties needed to be mentioned in the strategy and asked that a further sentence be added.  She was aware that this group was covered in the Mental Health Needs Assessment but felt it would be helpful for the Committee to have a link to the assessment added to the strategy. Similar concerns were raised about the lack of references to substance abuse, and officers confirmed that this was an overarching strategy with various other strategies sitting below it containing the detail.

One member raised a couple of other concerns, that the strategy should include opportunities for voluntary work as well as employment and that there should be support for people who were wrongly assessed as being fit for work.  Officers explained that the point about volunteering opportunities was covered and that there were a range of support services available through GPs and Oxleas. 

RESOLVED that the report be noted

Report CS12048

Members considered a report which outlined the current arrangements for the provision of general advice and information services provided by Bromley Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). The report provided Members with an update on the service following a reduction in funding and changes from traditional ‘open door’ services to a model of service based on outreach provision, telephone and web access.  Members requested this information at a previous meeting.

Until June 2012 Bromley CAB had provided services from three bureaux, Orpington, Bromley Town (based in Community House) and Penge. The Orpington bureau closed in June 2012. In its place Bromley CAB established three outreach centres in the Orpington area: Cotmandene Centre, Hope Church and The Priory School. These were in addition to an existing outreach venue in Biggin Hill. Overall, the changes identified had not resulted in a reduction of service.

The Penge bureau was due to close in March 2013. Bromley CAB was actively negotiating for outreach venues within the Penge area as they had in Orpington which would enable easy access for members of the public. The success of outreach services in Penge would be closely monitored by Education and Care Services. A Member suggested that the wider geography of the Penge area needed to be considered in seeking outreach locations – another local Member confirmed that ward councillors had been involved in this process.

Members requested a further report on CAB services and the provision of information and advice more generally at a future meeting; the Chairman suggested that this should be in June or July 2013.

RESOLVED that the current level of service provided by Bromley Citizens Advice Bureau following the implementation of changes to the service model agreed at the Executive meeting held on 14 December 2011 be noted.

The briefing comprises:

• Bromley Safeguarding Children Board 2011/12 Annual Report
• Substance Misuse Service Annual Report 2011-12
• Education and Care Services Contract Activity report – October 2012 to March 2013
• Quality Monitoring of Domiciliary Services

Members and Co-opted Members have been provided with advance copies of the briefing via email. The briefing is also available on the Council’s website at the following link:

http://cds.bromley.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=559&Year=2011

Printed copies of the briefing are available on request by contacting the Democratic Services Officer.

Four reports had been circulated for Members’ information - there were no questions on the briefing.

The Chairman to move that the Press and public be excluded during consideration of the items of business listed below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that if members of the Press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED that the Press and public be excluded during consideration of the items of business referred to below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that if members of the Press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

The following summaries

refer to matters

involving exempt information

Report CS12057

The Portfolio Holder considered this report and approved the recommendations.