Agenda item

11.1

11.2

11.3

11.4

The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director for Adult Care and Wellbeing which provided the Committee with an update on Adult Care and Wellbeing Commissioning in 2023/24. The report sought to provide assurance on the delivery of market sufficiency responsibilities as set out in the Care Act 2014, covering achievements and planned activity to improve sufficiency, stability and quality assurance.

The report sought approval for proposed fee rates for Council contracted providers in the financial year 2024-25. It was proposed that these rates take effect from 8^th April 2024.

Members stressed the need for fair wages for staff, whilst also noting underfunding from Central Government.

Members asked whether a Climate Impact Assessment had been carried out. The Assistant Director, Adult Commissioning and Partnerships stated there was a brief overview of this in the report; however, they stated more detail would be provided in March’s report to the Adult Health and Social Care Committee.

11.5

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

1.     Note progress made in relation to providing support in the City and delivering a stable care market, including:

•       The outcome of the Care and Wellbeing tender

•       The tender for Care at Night services

•       The tender for Standard Residential provision

•       Our Technology Enabled Care offer and developments.

•       Our Direct Payment Support Service

2.     Note progress made in implementing Quality Assurance oversight and governance arrangements.

3.     Note the flowchart for provider escalations to the Council covering contractual, safeguarding and fee uplift requests set out at Appendix 3 and the intention that officers will work in partnership with providers to develop an escalation framework based on this model to be brought back to Committee in 2024.

4.     Approves use of £840,000 in 2024/25 of the ‘Market Sustainability and Improvement Fund: Workforce Fund’ announced in August 2023 to further close the gap between the current weekly fee rate and the median Fair Cost of Care output for standard residential care.

5.     Approve the Care Fees for the financial year 2024/2025 as set out in this Report.

6.     Note that a report will be brought to March 2024 Committee with an update on the delivery of the Transforming Care Homes Commissioning and Delivery plan.

7.     Approves that a report will be brought to March 2024 Committee setting out proposals for how Sheffield City Council can further move towards the Fair Cost of Care and Foundation Living Wage.

8.      Delegates authority to the Strategic Director of Adult Care and Wellbeing in consultation with the Chair of the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee to agree any appropriate and proportionate fee increases requested by non-standard provision, and by providers outside Sheffield because cost pressures will vary from place to place.

11.6

Reasons for Decision

11.6.1

11.6.2

11.6.3

In fulfilling our Care Act 2014 duties, local authorities must ensure good oversight and understanding of the local care market, including setting rates that we believe, based on the evidence, will support a quality, flexible and sustainable market, providing choice to those who purchase care.

Approving use of £840,000 in 2024/25 of the ‘Market Sustainability and Improvement Fund: Workforce Fund’ announced in August 2023 will further close the gap between the current weekly fee rate and the median Fair Cost of Care output for standard residential care.

Approving that a further report be brought to March 2023 Committee setting out proposals for how Sheffield City Council can further move towards the Fair Cost of Care and Foundation Living Wage and an update regards Care Homes Transformation will also provide a further step in ensuring a quality, flexible and sustainable market.

11.7

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.7.1

No alternative options have been considered.