Decision details

The committee received the report which set out the final outturn for 2023-24. Members considered the financial challenges being experienced by the Council and recognised the important activities aimed at minimising the impact on council services. Members noted that the final outturn for the council would be considered by the Finance Sub Committee on 25 June 2024.

Members queried the cost of care packages and noted that this had increased significantly particularly care for individuals transitioning from children’s services to adult social care. It was stated that a total of £6.6m was spent each year on supporting 44 individuals under the age of 65 and that £8.2m was spent on 109 individuals in supported living. Members acknowledged the increasing complex demands being placed upon the service with more individuals requiring 1:1 and 2:1 support for up to 24-hours a day to meet physical, behavioural and mental needs. Members agreed that the work being undertaken to review EHCP plans would play a key role in reducing costs.

The committee asked if costs were anticipated to reduce as a result of falling inflation and energy prices, and if the council would seek to challenge providers on business cases put forward against costs charged to the authority. The committee noted that the North-West region was considered an outlier on cost and activity for people with learning disabilities and that a piece of work was underway with the North-West ADASS to analyse the cost drivers and identify any intervention that might be needed.

The committee were pleased to note the steps being taken to reduce the overall number of agency staff across the service and acknowledged the issues the service had faced in recruiting staff in Care4CE, mental health professionals and Occupational Therapists.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Adults and Health Committee

1.    Note the factors leading to an adverse Net Revenue financial outturn of £11.8m against a revised budget of £138.0m (8.6%), for Adults and Health Committee services.

2.    Approve the Supplementary Revenue Estimate Requests for Allocation of Additional Grant Funding (Specific Purpose) over £500,000 up to £1,000,000 in Annex 1, Section 2, Table 2.

3.    Note the contents of Annex 1 and note that any financial mitigation decisions requiring approval will be made in line with relevant delegations.