Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

SOCIAL CARE

PART II

ANNUAL REVIEW LETTER FROM THE SOCIAL SERVICES INSPECTORATE

1 The Executive Member was encouraged to note that the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) had identified the following improvements:-

      · Progress in implementing the remodelling of the Department

      · Developing a workforce plan

      · Four Social Service targets in the Public Service Agreement

      · The County Council's recognition of budget pressures and consequent increased funding for 2002/03, as in previous years.

      · The anticipated balancing of the Social Services budget for 2001/02

      · Positive work with key agencies including the care trust demonstrator site with the New Forest PCT, work on health scrutiny and key partnership work in achieving the Supporting People milestones.

      · The good track record on direct payments, particularly noting 99 Older People now arranging their own care.

      · The best value performance plan complying in all significant respects with statutory requirements.

2 The SSI Annual Review letter noted a number of developments that are taking place or are required for the coming year.

      · These include ensuring staff at all levels understand their contribution to effective performance, with an acknowledgement that the new SAP system should assist in this process.

      · Residential and Nursing Care for older People and delayed transfers of care from NHS hospitals remain a key area for activity. Significant investment of time and planning is taking place to ensure strategic investment of additional funding reduces dependency among older people and provides a speedier discharge from Hospital. The department is working closely with its health partners to achieve better outcomes.

      · The acknowledgement that some of the poorer Performance Assessment Framework indicators are due to counting problems is welcome. The department continues to address this issue and the County Council is investing in an improved Social Care Information System to ensure, over time, improved information and data.

      · While cost efficiency is a concern, the acknowledgement by the SSI of the market pressures in the South East of England, and consequent price pressures, is welcome. The department is making links with neighbouring authorities to try and improve service commissioning and is strengthening its contracting arm. These issues are also being addressed through the Best Value process.

      · The comment about the Criminal Records Bureau, and delays in vetting the records needed to process job applications, is a concern. The remedy is not in the hands of the Department, which is putting pressure on the Criminal Records Bureau to improve performance. This is particularly disappointing given the significant rise in costs associated with the formation of the new Bureau.

3 It is greatly appreciated that the SSI see the Annual Review Meeting as a two way process. For example they have agreed to raise a number of issues more widely within the Department of Health:-

      · Reduced flexibility as a result of the increased proportion of specific grants.

      · The Council received the 2nd lowest increase in SSA for 2002/03. This has an impact across all client groups, especially when the costs of provision are rising significantly due to market forces within the South East.

      · "Fairer Charging" guidance is likely to lead to significant loss of income from non residential charging.

      · Concerns regarding the impact on services should the Council lose the area cost adjustment.

      · Concerns about the real financial impact of the transfer of preserved rights.

4 At the Annual Review meeting Hampshire's action plans for dealing with poorer indicators were discussed.

    (i) Across all indicators, where full details are not generated using the ACMS system, improved counting methods to be used to avoid the historic undercounting of jointly funded and specialist services.

    (ii) Adults and Older People helped to live at home. It is expected that improvements in counting will significantly raise performance against all the 'helped to live at home' indicators. Additionally, workgroups have been established to make recommendations on any policy issues affecting these services.

    (iii) Health of Children Looked After. There are two issues affecting this indicator, both related to the lack of relevant information. During 2000-2001 no data was available, and consequently this indicator was highlighted by the SSI. Work is continuing with both the Strategic Health Authority and the PCTs to facilitate collection of immunisation records. Some data has already been provided although there are ongoing problems with varied understandings around 'Caldicott Guardianship' rules relating to electronic data sharing. Additionally, training has been provided for Social Workers emphasising that records must be updated regularly with details of health and dental checks.

    (iv) Percentage of people receiving a 'Statement of Needs'. This indicator is expected to remain poor for 2001-2002. While action has been taken to ensure that our care managed users have received a statement, the new users identified through improvement to the counting methods will not have received statements during the year. Work is underway to find methods for addressing this during 2002-2003 in a cost effective way.

5 Apart from one or two concerns, the Annual Review letter is a balance of recognition of achievement and areas for development and will assist the department in developing its services in 2002/3.

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