Agenda and minutes

It was reported that appendices 4 and 5 of Agenda Item 7, Inquiry into the Future of Residential Care Provision for Older People in Leeds, were considered to contain exempt information under the terms of the Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4.(3) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) and Members were asked to determine whether to accept the officer’s recommendation that the information should remain exempt and that the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during this item.  Following a vote by Board Members present, it was:

RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceeding, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as follows:

Agenda Item 7– appendices 4 and 5, Inquiry into the Future of Residential Care Provision for Older People in Leeds under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4. (3) (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

To declare any personal / prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81 (3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors P Davey and V Kendall.  Councillors P Grahame and R Wood were in attendance as substitute Members.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Councillor J Chapman declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7, Inquiry into the Future of Residential Care Provision for Older People in Leeds as she had a relative who was employed in the independent care sector.  (Minute No. ?? refers)

To receive and consider the reports of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development and the Director of Adult Social Services to facilitate the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board Inquiry into the Future if Residential Care Provision for Older People in Leeds

The reports of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development and Director of Adult Services introduced the Board’s Inquiry into the Future of Residential Care Provision for Older People in Leeds.  The reports outlined the timetable for the Inquiry and submission of evidence. 

The Chair welcomed Sandie Keene, Director of Adult Services and Dennis Holmes, Deputy Director, Commissioning to the Meeting.

It was reported that the Residential Care strategy was one of the key issues for adult social care in Leeds over the next 5 to 10 years and there was a need to create a service that was fit for future needs.  In response to concerns regarding the use of percentages in the report it was advised that the accompanying presentation to the report would show projected figures.  Members were also advised to inform the Director of Adult Social Services with any ongoing cases where problems had occurred with the provision of residential care.

The Board was given a presentation on long term residential care for older people in Leeds.  The first part of the presentation focussed on the following areas:

• The National Social Care Context – personalised approach,, support in own home, control of own care, work with NHS colleagues, financial and demographic pressures, how to shape services
• Current Policy Context – What can be offered in future? Choice and control for individuals needing care
• Demography – Projected Population Growth and Dependency, there would be an estimated 33% increase in the older population of Leeds by 2029
• Benchmarking Comparisons – Leeds had an average demand in comparison to other Yorkshire and Humber authorities which was also reflected on a national basis
• Demand for Housing Options and Services to Maintain Independence – Fewer people were requiring residential care due to differing options available such as lifetime housing and extra care housing; promotion of independent living; personalisation and the use of direct payments.
• The Local Picture and Expected Numbers of Beds for Future Services – It was reported that there was currently a large number of void beds which equated to the total of 1.5 care homes.  It was predicted that the number of local authority commissioned residential care beds would fall from 2,500 to 850 by 2029.
• Facilities and Supply of Residential Care in Leeds – Members attention was drawn to maps which showed the locations of residential care homes across the city.
• Implications for Local Authority Residential Care – expected changes to patterns of use, market competition, more demand for personalisation and people being cared for at home

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• The forecast reduction in provision of residential care in contrast to the increasing elderly population.
• Provision of end of life and palliative care.
• Respite care and facilities for carers to support their families whilst in respite care – it was reported that new provision would enable carers to stay with relatives during respite care.
• Sheltered housing – provision of wardens and activities for residents.
• Those who received care  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To note that the next meeting of the Board will be held on Wednesay, 10 November at 10.00 am with a pre meeting for Board Members at 9.30 am.

Wednesday, 10 November 2010 at 10.00 a.m. (Pre-meeting for all Board Members at 9.30 a.m.)

The meeting concluded at 12.50 p.m.