Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Committee considered the Adult Social Care Performance Report. Members were reminded that the report had been circulated in advance and were expected to have reviewed its contents before the meeting.

Councillor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform, introduced the report. Adrian Crook was invited to provide any additional comments and highlighted that Quarter Four had been a particularly positive period and represented the next cycle of the Council's Business Plan. It was noted that assessment completion rates had reduced and that further improvement was required, although performance remained at 96%.

Members also noted the outstanding CQC judgements relating to Killalea and the integration of Adult Social Care and NHS services.

Councillor Martin referred to the performance information on page 83 relating to occupational therapy assessments. Whilst the report indicated that assessments were generally being completed within six months, one case highlighted a waiting time of over 500 days. Councillor Martin sought assurance regarding the action being taken to address such delays.

In response, Adrian Crook advised that the target was to reduce waiting times to below 50 days. He explained that Occupational Therapy Disability Services were working to a specific action plan to address the issue. It was noted that all referrals were currently treated as being of the same level of complexity, and it was hoped that the actions being implemented would significantly reduce the median waiting time.

Councillor Zaman queried whether the data reflected unmet need or whether the service was successfully managing demand.

Adrian Crook responded that there was no evidence to suggest significant unmet need. He noted that the number of people progressing through the service remained high and that Bury was ranked as the 34th most effective authority in the country. Furthermore, issues relating to unmet need were not being identified through casework activity.

Members discussed the impact of extended waits for occupational therapy assessments and suggested that further information be included in future reports outlining what support was available to people facing longer waits, including practical adaptations such as additional bathroom facilities where appropriate.

Councillor Simpson raised concerns regarding social worker caseloads and asked how manageable workloads were across the workforce. Adrian Crook advised that caseloads were monitored closely, alongside staff wellbeing, recruitment and retention. He explained that it was important that staff felt workloads were fair and manageable and that one-to-one meetings and supervision arrangements were in place to identify and resolve workload issues. Workforce wellbeing and capacity remained a key area of focus.

Members requested that workforce issues and social worker caseloads continue to be considered through the Committee's work programme.

The Committee also received an update regarding engagement work undertaken with older residents. It was noted that discussions had taken place with the Bury Older People's Network and that progress was being made through a dedicated project examining issues affecting older people, including challenges facing those at risk of homelessness. Members heard that there remained a wide range of issues and challenges relating to social prescribing, the voluntary sector and engagement with carers, and that some individuals could still be missed by the system. It was noted that these concerns would be highlighted at a Greater Manchester level.

Discussion took place regarding survey results which showed that the proportion of people who use services and reported a positive experience remained below 50%.

Councillor Southworth commented that some older generations were not accustomed to seeking help and could perceive involvement from social services negatively. He emphasised the importance of public education and awareness to ensure residents understood that social care support is a positive intervention designed to help people maintain their independence and wellbeing.

Members also discussed loneliness, social isolation and how people access support services. Questions were raised regarding whether reporting arrangements would change following the CQC assessment process.

In response, Adrian Crook advised that the Business Plan had been reset and that the format of future performance reports would be revised accordingly.

It Was Agreed

·         That the report be noted.

Actions

• Include further commentary in future reports regarding long waiting times for occupational therapy assessments, including the support and interim measures available to residents awaiting assessment.
• Continue monitoring and reporting on social worker caseloads, workforce wellbeing, recruitment and retention through the Committee's work programme.
• Provide updates on engagement work with the Bury Older People's Network, including issues relating to older people at risk of homelessness.
• Continue to highlight concerns relating to social prescribing, voluntary sector support and carers' engagement at Greater Manchester level.
• Develop and implement the revised performance reporting format aligned to the reset Business Plan.