Agenda item

5.1

The Board received a presentation form Luke Morton, Programme Manager, Communities, Sheffield City Council, concerning the Care Act 2014, which set out in law reforms to care and support services and changes to the funding of those services.

5.2

The presentation set out the implications of the changes, which would be brought about by the Act, both for Sheffield and for the Health and Wellbeing Board in relation to areas including the principle of wellbeing, a person-centred approach, prevention, supporting people to stay independent, increased co-operation in health and social care and service integration. The aims of the Better Care Fund aligned with the principles of the Act as did the commissioning workstreams and the financial implications of the Care Act would impact upon pooled budgets.

5.3

Consultation on draft regulations and guidance had begun on 6 June and would close on 15 August 2014.

5.4

Members of the Board commented upon the matters raised in the presentation, as summarised below:

5.5

In relation to standards of care set out in the Act and in terms of ensuring standards and possible rights of appeal, there was potential redress through the local authority, the Ombudsman and through Judicial Review. Case law would inform future judgements in circumstances where there were appeals or challenges to decisions.

5.6

It was confirmed that the implementation project group, which was in place to deliver change, included representation from other services including children’s and adults’ services, to make sure implications of the changes brought about by the Act were properly considered, for example the transition from childhood to adulthood.

5.7

Resolved: that the Board notes the presentation.