Decision details

The committee considered a report which provided a summary of the Better Care Fund planning guidance for 2025/26 and requested approval from the committee.

The Committee were updated that the objectives of the fund reflected the national targets:

• Provide more care closer to home.
• Increase the focus on prevention so that people can living healthier and more independent lives.
• Harness digital technology to transform care.
• Provide stability through the winter period 2025/26.
• Review our approach to Discharge to assess.
• Ensure that our local programme provides value for money, good outcomes, are impactful and bring about meaningful change to people’s lives.

It was noted that the Better Care Fund plan will not be used for the national switchover from analogue to digital telecare provision.

The Disabled Facilities Grants would fund adaptations to people’s homes to make it easier for them to remain living at home rather than being moved into residential care. The improvements could be adaptations such as a stairlift or providing a downstairs shower room. It was noted that there was a programme in place to look to recover any equipment which was no longer of use.

Members were updated that due to national and regional timelines which were not within the Council’s control, they were being asked to approve a plan for 2025 / 2026 a number of months into the municipal year. Officers acknowledged this and would look into this for the future. 

Members were updated that the term “high intensity user” was an individual  who was accessing adult health and social care services on a frequent basis, and that the Mental Health Intensive Support Team were an external provider who supported those who had been discharged from hospital, working with individuals for between two and four weeks from their point of discharge on rehabilitation, and how to settle back in to own homes.

Members queried details in the table provided on page 147 of the agenda pack and officers committed to providing a written response.

Councillor Moreton was not present for the vote.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Adults and Health Committee:

1. Approve the Better Care fund plan for Cheshire East for 2025/26.