Decision details

14.1

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Adult Health and Social Care setting out the financial pressures facing the Health and Social Care Policy Committee in 2023/24 and providing an update on progress to date in identifying mitigations for these pressures.

14.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee:-

(a) acknowledges the recommendation approved at the meeting of the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee on 5 July 2022 that “Policy Committees will be asked to develop savings / additional income options that cover their own pressures – in effect cash standstill” and to “require Policy Committees to report at their meetings in September on how they can balance their budgets”;

(b) notes, as this Committee's initial response to the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee's request, the set of budget proposals set out in the report, including Part B;

(c) notes that Officers will now work with Members to consult with relevant stakeholders (including with partners, trades unions and in respect of equalities and climate change) on the proposals in the report so as to inform final budget proposals;

(d) note that Officers will work to develop any necessary detailed implementation plans for the proposals in the report so that the proposals, if ultimately approved, can be implemented as planned before or during the 2023/24 financial year; and

(e) requests a further report in November that will set out the final budget for this Committee following consultation and any adjustments requested by the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee.

14.3

Reasons for Decision

14.3.1

The proposals put forward in sections 2 to 8 of the report are recommended on the basis that they:-

-       Are consistent with a person-centred approach and the provision of support designed to meet the individual’s needs;

-       Are consistent with our vision / strategy to improve independence and support people to live the life they want to live;

-       Support the ongoing improvement of adult social care services in Sheffield;

-       Are guided by an evidence base, benchmarking and / or trend data which identifies areas of spend where disinvestment, subject to individual review, can most likely be made without detriment;

-       Enable the Council to continue to meet its legal duties.

14.3.2

Proposals set out in section 9 of the report are required to reach a balanced financial position for 2023/24.

14.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

There are no alternative options for consideration at this stage.