Issue - decisions

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Agrees to the London Borough of Hillingdon entering into an agreement with North West London Integrated Care Board (NHS North West London) 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 3rd April 2023 to 31st March 2024 at a value of £96,534,618.

2.    Agrees that this includes the provision to extend the agreement for up to a further 12 months, delegating approval of any extension to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, in consultation with the Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health.

3.    Delegates to the Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health authority to amend the terms of the agreement with NHS North West London during 2023/24, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.

Reasons for decision

Councillor Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care presented a report on the Better Care Fund Section 75 agreement for 2023/24, where she noted that the Integrated Care Board was required to enter into an agreement under Section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006, to allocate money from the Council’s and NHS pooled budgets to enhance collaborative efforts in improving care outcomes for residents, aiding them in staying healthy and independent. It was noted that the delay in seeking Cabinet approval was attributed to the Department of Health and Social Care's timetable, beyond the control of the Council or its officers.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to enter into an agreement, but this would have reduced the availability of funding and support to the local health and care system. Cabinet could have also agreed to enter into a longer agreement time-frame.