Decision details

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the London Borough of Hillingdon enter into an agreement with Northwest London Integrated Care Board (ICB) under section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006 for the delivery of the Better Care Fund plan as described in the report from the 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 at a value of £74,160,937.

2)    Authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health, to amend the terms of the agreement with Northwest London Integrated Care Board during 2025/26, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care introduced the Better Care Fund Section 75 agreement with the North West London Integrated Care Board, which formalised the financial and partnership arrangements for pooled budgets under the national initiative first established in 2015. The agreement, commencing on 1 April 2025, aimed to improve care outcomes for older people, adults with long-term conditions, and individuals with learning disabilities or autism. It supported hospital discharge with appropriate equipment and care to enhance recovery and independence.

The Cabinet Member noted delays due to Integrated Care Board reorganisation and funding challenges but recommended approval of the agreement.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged the recurring, but improving, delays in such agreements and welcomed the growing collaboration between health services and the Council, expressing optimism about the benefits of closer integration in future years.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet had the option not to enter the agreement or not delegate authority to amend it in-year, but considered this would risks funding and the need for flexibility in responding to evolving health and care system demands.