Issue - meetings

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. This summarises the progress on the local implementation of the Care Act 2014. (Key decision – reference number 3995)

(Report No.161)

(8.40 – 8.45 pm)

Councillor Don McGowan (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.161) summarising the progress on the local implementation of the Care Act 2014 categorised by key requirements and workstream areas.

NOTED

1.               The progress which had been made by the Council in the local implementation of the Care Act 2014 and the first set of reforms which came into force in April 2015.

2.               That this major change was taking place within Enfield 2017, this had provided a positive framework for implementation with consistency and clear operating principles.

3.               The effect of the Care Act 2014 on individuals and local authorities, as detailed in the report.

4.               The financial implications of the implementation of the Care Act and the uncertainties which still existed with regard to future levels of Government funding, as set out in detail in the report.

5.               The implications for individual care budgets and the examples highlighted by Councillor Savva.

6.               Members’ request that the report be referred to full Council for information and noting.

Alternative Options Considered: It was a statutory requirement to implement the Care Act, so no alternative options had been considered in the drafting of this report.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to note:

1.               The progress made to implement the Care Act in Enfield and the key risks associated with implementation and the mitigating actions.

2.               That the financial modelling to understand the impact of the Care Act continued at both local, regional and national level including through ADASS and London Councils, as advised at July Cabinet and October Council meetings. This would include ensuring a robust response to the government consultation on the funding reforms due in February. As previously reported, when the Government introduced the Care Bill it advised that any new burdens on local government would be funded. Until clear funding allocations were made available, there was a risk that this cost was not fully funded, but, at present it was not possible to form an opinion.

3.               This major change was taking place within Enfield 2017 and this had provided a positive framework for Care Act implementation, in particular changes to the Gateway Services and assessment hub.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the report be received for information and noting.

Reason: It was a statutory duty for local authorities to implement the Care Act. It was essential that Cabinet was aware of the reforms and the implications for the Council.

(Key decision – reference number 3995)