Agenda item

Purpose

To brief the Cabinet Member and spokespeople on a new duty, given to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), to independently review and assess how Local Authorities' Adult Social Care services are performing in delivering their Care Act functions.

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Andy Biddle, Director of Adult Social Care (ASC), introduced the report, noting ASC's engagement with Children's Services, who have been subject to inspection for many years, and that although inspection is a burden it can also be an opportunity for ASC to demonstrate how it performs and serves residents.

Members agreed the today's reports showed the amount of legislation affecting the social care sector in recent years together with the impact of Covid. Organisations have been so busy with other matters in the last couple of years but now they can step back and examine the services offered as some may not be as good as they were thought to be.

Councillor Winnington thanked Debbie Young, Head of Quality and Performance, for writing the report and Mr Biddle for presenting it. Covid had compressed many activities that might have been done on a staggered basis and then changes such as the Integrated Care System meant much activity happened at once. There has been much investment from the council to meet the challenges. However, inspection could be an opportunity to improve the care sector. ASC could also see what can be learnt from Children's Services, which have been subject to intense inspection for many years. However, in terms of resources, there is a challenge, as the last national inspection programme for ASC ceased in 2010 and staff that would have been working on these processes at that time are no longer employed. Resources therefore have to be built back into ASC and there is a cost to this. Many staff will not be familiar with the process as inspection ended in 2010.

Ms Young said everyone in ASC is engaged in preparation for inspection; it is good opportunity to showcase but also to scrutinise to some areas. The cost is a concern as it feels like a new burden as it has not been done for a long time. Neither the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, (DLUHC) nor the Department for Health & Social Care, (DHSC) see it as new burden, so whilst money is invested in sector led improvements via LGA (Local Government Association) and ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services) there is not money invested directly into councils to help them prepare. In addition, the interim assessment framework has been shared but not the final one. Secondary legislation is likely to be passed in January 2023 but there is uncertainty over the April 2023 date for implementation. However, as ASC has already started work it will continue but it is a concern the final framework is not available.

Councillor Winnington said the chaos in national government has not helped as it would have been useful for ASC to have the framework by now. He and the Leader are considering another call to central government to address the new burdens and get a proper funding package; the opposition spokespersons are welcome to join in. If cuts fall on social care it will be really tough. Although Portsmouth is relatively financial stable cuts would be difficult and for other local authorities it could be extremely difficult. For example, people moving to different areas might struggle to get the help they need. He thanked officers for the report and Ms Young's team for their work. He looked forward to seeing what the framework would be and to working with the opportunities that arise and doing the best for Portsmouth residents.

The Cabinet Member noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.