To review the better care fund (BCF) year-end 2020-2021 report as per the requirements of the programme.

The Board received a report from the Acting Director for Adults and Communities concerning the Better Care Fund (BCF) year-end report 2020-21.

The report was introduced by the Interim Assistant Director, All Ages Commissioning and the council's finance business partner and joint strategic finance lead for the council and CCG, who explained the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had upon reporting arrangements and spending through the programme during the 2020-21 year. The requirement for regular reporting of performance throughout the year had been greatly reduced and underspends had occurred in some areas of the BCF including long-term placements and recruitment. In Herefordshire the BCF had been compliant with national requirements during 2020-21.

The Board raised the principal points below in the discussion that followed:

·       It was queried what learning had occurred through the reduced need for performance reporting and if this had enhanced a more localised approach in Herefordshire.

The acting director for Adults and Communities and the council’s finance business partner responded to explain that the previous year had been exceptional. It was likely that requirement for more detailed reporting would return in future however a reduced requirement may continue in the current year due to the ongoing response to COVID-19. It was noted that the BCF was currently subject to review which might change the priorities of the fund but was likely to still require detailed reporting.

·       The social care settlement was raised and the potential impact it could have upon the BCF.

The acting director for Adults and Communities and the council’s finance business partner explained that the announcement had been delayed until the autumn and that funding through the BCF had become a significant proportion of the core budget to support adult social care services. The BCF may change following review but it was unlikely to be withdrawn due to its central importance to the adult social care budget.

The recommendations in the report were proposed and seconded and agreed unanimously.

Resolved: It is recommended that

a)    the Better Care Fund (BCF) 2020-2021 year-end template at appendix 1, as submitted to NHS England, be reviewed and the board determine any further actions necessary to improve future performance.