Issue - meetings

(Copy herewith)

2.1         Cabinet noted the report and recommendations.

Councillor Lane as the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Councillor Smith as Chair of the Task Panel presented the report.  The issue had been referred from Council to Overview and Scrutiny for joint consideration by both NBC and NCC.  However, no one from NCC had come forward for the panel which was disappointing, particularly in the light of unitary, when an integrated adult social care system would be needed.

Councillor Smith stated that the study had highlighted the importance of integrated systems with all agencies involved and effective data-sharing.  Additionally, from a site visit to Islington, it was clear that effective care and continuity of care were much easier to establish where agencies were under one roof.

Councillor Lane expressed thanks to the Scrutiny Support Officer and to the Chair of the Task Panel.  He asked for Cabinet’s consideration of the 6 recommendations and for an early response.  The Leader stated that the report was excellent and fully supported the recommendations.

The Leader pointed out that at a unitary meeting that day there had been ongoing progress on integrating health and social care which was positive.  The Health and Wellbeing forum had been reinvigorated for Northampton with a number of projects bidding for public health money to support around that agenda, which was very valuable.

Councillor King stated that NBC were already working on safeguarding and care as well as social prescribing.  This piece of work was excellent and a good example for the proposed unitary council. 

In regard to the recommendation to link a housing officer to Northampton General Hospital, Councillor Hibbert pointed out that weekly meetings currently take place with the hospital to discuss housing issues.

Councillor Stone pointed out that, although functioning, the NCC Adult Social Care service was massively overspent and fragile.  She asked whether the NCC Adult Social Care Strategic Plan had been shared with NBC.  The Head of Housing and Wellbeing agreed to follow this up.  Social prescribing was effective and well-implemented elsewhere; it would be useful to look at best practice.  Councillor Stone also expressed concern that NCC don’t regard cuckooing as a safeguarding issue and had already discussed this with Councillor King.

RESOLVED:

2.1         Cabinet noted the report and recommendations.