Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing is attached.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, presented the report which proposed activating the first ‘plus one’ extension of the substance misuse contract, commissioned through Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH). In response to Members’ questions it was noted that discussions regarding options for the future of the contract beyond this extension would be taking place soon, with involvement from other Councils.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Agreed to activate the first plus one year; and

2.    Agreed to utilise the supplementary funding in line with the developed plan.

Reasons for the decision:

This option would allow us to continue to build on already existing, positive relationships that have been built over the last 3 years, not just between Achieve and Bury Council but between Achieve and numerous other external partners. Extending the contract will also enable current projects, including those set up using the Universal Funding grant, to continue seamlessly.

In addition, continuation of the contract will ensure there is no interference of current and future funding streams, including the SSMTR and Inpatient Detox grants, as well as ensuring no disruption to those service users currently in treatment. Achieve are very client and community focused, which aligns well with our ‘Let’s do it’ strategy and neighbourhood approach. We believe the current contract represents good value for money, compared to other organisations and localities.

Other options considered and rejected:

Based on the funding plans identified in the report, the future investment would ensure:

·         Continuation of Universal Funding projects and workforce – focusing on criminal justice, reducing DRDs and harm reduction (Naloxone work);

·         Expansion and development of workforce in both adult and young people’s treatment services;

·         Investment in community groups to aid recovery;

·         Further development of dual diagnosis pathway;

·         Extending intermediate care to other neighbourhoods;

·         An increased Inpatient Detox offer: plan to remain in GM consortia and block book bed nights at both CBU and Smithfield;

·         Workforce development with both our adult and young people’s treatment services;

·         Work with partners such as housing and employment to strengthen pathways;

·         Further develop identification processes and means in which to engage high risk groups, such as homeless and LGBT.