Agenda and minutes

Venue: Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR

Contact: Steven Courtney (0113) 37 88666  Email: steven.courtney@leeds.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

Co-opted Member present - Dr J Beal

1.

Appeals Against Refusal of Inspection of Documents

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 25* of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded).

 

(* In accordance with Procedure Rule 25, notice of an appeal must be received in writing by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting).

Minutes:

There were no appeals.

 

 

2.

Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public

1.  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

 

2.  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

 

3.  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

 

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 proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:

 

  No exempt items have been identified.

Minutes:

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 proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present that would be disclosure to them of exempt information as follows:

 

·  Item 13 – Care Quality Commission- Adult Social Care Providers Inspection Outcomes (February 2019 to April 2019) Appendix 2 be exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

 

 

3.

Late Items

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

 

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

Minutes:

There were no late items.

 

 

4.

Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests.

 

 

5.

Apologies for Absence and Notification of Substitutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Minutes:

There were no apologies for absence.

 

 

6.

Minutes - 23 April 2019 pdf icon PDF 314 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 2019. 

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the draft minutes of the meeting held 23rd April 2019 be agreed as an accurate record.

 

 

 

 

7.

Co-opted Members pdf icon PDF 155 KB

To receive a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support on the appointment of coopted members to Scrutiny Boards.

 

Minutes:

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report which sought the Board’s formal consideration for the appointment of co-opted members.

 

The Board was informed that they could appoint the following:

 

·  Up to five non-voting co-opted members for a term of office that does not go beyond the next Annual Meeting of the Council; and/or

·  Up to two non-voting co-opted members for a term of office that relates to the duration of a particular and specific scrutiny inquiry.

 

RESOLVED –

 

a)  That Dr John Beal representing HealthWatch Leeds be appointed as a non-voting co-opted Member of the Board for the 2019/20 municipal year.

b)  That the Board considers the appointment of co-opted members on an ad-hoc basis for any inquiries where it was deemed appropriate.

 

Declaration of Interests

 

Upon appointment, Dr Beal wished for it to be noted that his family member was currently employed by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Additionally, Dr Beal informed the Board that he was a retired consultant in NHS dentist public health, and that one of his duties was to manage community dental services in Leeds.

 

 

8.

Scrutiny Board Terms of Reference pdf icon PDF 128 KB

To receive a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support presenting the Board’s terms of reference.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report which presented terms of reference for the Scrutiny Board (Adults, Health and Active Lifestyles) for Members’ information.

 

In presenting the report, the Principal Scrutiny Adviser highlighted the additional responsibility of the Board in relation to active travel.

 

RESOLVED – That the Board’s terms of reference be noted.

 

 

9.

Local Authority Health Scrutiny pdf icon PDF 162 KB

To consider a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support regarding Local Authority Health Scrutiny and proposed arrangements to discharge aspects of the Board’s specific role and functions in this regard.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report regarding Local Authority Health Scrutiny and proposed arrangements to discharge aspects of the Board’s specific role and functions in this regard.

 

The following was appended to the report:

 

·  Department of Health guidance to support Local Authorities and their partners to deliver effective health scrutiny

·  Health Service Developments Working Group – Terms of reference

·  West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Terms of reference and working arrangements

 

RESOLVED –

 

a)  That the Department of Health ‘Local Authority Health Scrutiny (June 2014)’ guidance be noted;

b)  That the Health Service Developments Working Group be established;

c)  That the arrangements for the Health Service Developments Working Group for the municipal year be noted;

d)  That Councillor G Latty be appointed to the West Yorkshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

 

10.

Request for Scrutiny - Health Impacts of 5G pdf icon PDF 299 KB

To receive a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support presenting a request for scrutiny, alongside some background information to help inform the Board’s consideration. 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report that presented a request for scrutiny, alongside some background information to help inform the Board’s consideration.

 

The following were in attendance:

 

-  Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health, Adults and Health

-  Dylan Roberts, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Digital and Information Service

-  Mr Carney, Member of the public

 

The request for Scrutiny was submitted as follows:

 

‘I hereby request a scrutiny investigation into harmful effects of 5G technology before any decisions are made to roll it out in Leeds.

 

Numerous instances of evidence regarding its dangers are now becoming available and I would like a full investigation before any deployment in the Leeds area.’

 

Mr Carney presented the request for scrutiny to the Board. Mr Carney asked Members whether the Council understood its responsibility in relation to this matter, and if a risk assessment would be carried out prior to roll-out of 5G across the city.

 

In response, the Chief Digital and Information Officer set out the influence of the Council in regards to the role out, and some of the benefits to the city, including those benefits to health services. It was also noted that roll-out in Leeds had not yet been confirmed. The Director for Public Health added that the Government’s position is clear, and states that there should be no consequence to public health.

 

Members commented that they were assured by the position of Public Health England, the World Health Organisation and the European Union, in that the rollout of 5G would not be harmful to public health. Members also noted the potential detriments if 5G were not rolled-out in Leeds.

 

The Chair thanked Mr Carney for his request and contribution to the meeting, and

 

RESOLVED – That no further scrutiny action would be required.

 

 

11.

Sources of Work pdf icon PDF 236 KB

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support regarding potential sources of work for the Scrutiny Board.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report on potential sources of work and areas of priority within the Board’s terms of reference.

 

The following information was appended to the report:

 

-  Vision for Scrutiny at Leeds

-  Best Council Plan 2019-21

-  Leeds Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2016-21

-  Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board ‘Reviewing the year’ 2018 – 2019

-  Leeds City Council 2019/20 Budget Report (Adults and Health)

 

The following were in attendance:

 

-  Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles

-  Dr Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health, Adults and Health

-  Caroline Baria, Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning, Adults and Health

-  Gill Keddie, Active Leeds Development Manager, City Development

 

The Board were provided with performance information throughout the discussions.

 

Suggestions for future areas of work included:

 

·  Early scrutiny engagement for the Draft Physical Activity Ambition, following public consultation and prior to agreement;

·  The approach to Local Care Partnerships as they progress, to include GP appointment availability;

·  The progress of the NHS Northern Gambling Clinic;

·  The role of the private sector within the NHS;

·  The single CCG approach following the merge of the three Leeds CCGs;

·  Mental health, including the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS);

·  Dementia;

·  Gaining an understanding of life as a career in Leeds;

·  A partnership approach to the Climate Emergency.

 

RESOLVED – To consider the information and guidance provided within this report when determining priority areas of Scrutiny work for the forthcoming municipal year.

12.

Performance Report - Adult Social Care, Public Health and Active Lifestyles pdf icon PDF 229 KB

To receive and consider a joint report from the Director of Adults and Health and Director of City Development which provides a summary of performance against the strategic priorities for the Council and the City, relevant to the remit of the Scrutiny Board.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Adults and Health and Director of City Development submitted a report which provided a summary of performance against the strategic priorities for the Council and the City, relevant to the remit of the Scrutiny Board.

 

The following information was appended to the report:

 

-  Leeds Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework & Better Lives Strategy Measures

-  Public Health Outcomes Framework - May update

 

The following were in attendance:

 

-  Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles

-  Dr Ian Cameron, Director of Public Health, Adults and Health

-  Caroline Baria, Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning, Adults and Health

-  Peter Storrie, Head of Service (Performance Management and Improvement), Resources and Housing

-  Gill Keddie, Active Leeds Development Manager, City Development

 

The Head of Service (Performance Management and Improvement) introduced the report and commented on some of the highlights as set out in the report.

 

Members discussed a number of matters, including:

 

·  Slow rates of improvement in areas of high deprivation. Members queried the progress made in some of the most deprived areas in Leeds, including the uptake of NHS health checks.Members were informed that infant mortality figures were reducing, which acts as a significant measure of the impact of austerity on health. Additionally, Members were informed that NHS health checks were initially only offered in deprived areas and take-up was high. However, since full roll out, there has been a decline and in response the service is being recommissioning with a targeted approach.

·  Carer’s survey. Members expressed concerns around the proportion of carers who reported that they had not experienced as much social contact as they would like. In response, the Board were informed of a number of initiatives with continued investment such as the Carers Break Service and Direct Payments. Members also learned that only a small cohort of carers were surveyed who were already accessing services, and that work was ongoing to ensure that the survey was more representative in the future.

·  Delayed transfers of care. Members queried the steps taken to reduce delayed transfers of care, and were informed that a new initiative was in place which secured payment to homecare providers for up to two weeks whilst a patient remained in hospital, to ensure that packages of care continue following discharge from hospital.

 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices, along with Members comments, be noted.

 

 

13.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) – Adult Social Care Providers Inspection Outcomes February 2019 to April 2019 pdf icon PDF 415 KB

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Adults and Health that provides details of recently reported Care Quality Commission inspection outcomes for social care providers across Leeds, alongside more general information on the CQC ratings for providers in the city.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report that provided details of recently reported Care Quality Commission inspection outcomes for social care providers across Leeds, alongside more general information on the CQC ratings for providers in the city.

 

The following information was appended to the report:

 

-  Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Outcomes February 2019 – April 2019

 

The following were in attendance:

 

-  Caroline Baria, Deputy Director, Integrated Commissioning, Adults and Health

-  Sarah Drew, Inspection Manager, Care Quality Commission

 

The Deputy Director introduced the report, noting a slowly improving picture overall, and further information around new projects in place to improve quality of providers.

 

Members discussed a number of matters, including:

 

·  Recruitment. In response to a query, Members were informed that nursing home nurses did not receive the same terms of employment and salaries as NHS nurses, and in addition, that there is considerable stigma that exists around working in the care sector.

·  Medication. Members commented that dispensing of medicines correctly should be a basic expectation of care providers, and queried how providers are monitored and supported when issues are presented. The Board were informed that issues are often related to recording of administering medications due to high turnover of staff or poor management. Members were also assured that CQC pharmacy inspectors visit care providers to offer support, and that the matter is critical and therefore closely monitored.

 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices, along with Members comments, be noted.

 

Councillor G Latty left the meeting at 4:30 pm during discussion of this item.

 

 

14.

Proposed Service Change and Associated Engagement - Community Dental Services pdf icon PDF 178 KB

To receive and consider a report from the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support introducing details provided by Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust regarding proposed changes to Community Dental Services in Leeds and the associated plans for patient and public engagement.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report that introduced details provided by Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust regarding proposed changes to Community Dental Services in Leeds and the associated plans for patient and public engagement.

 

The following information was appended to the report:

 

-  Community Dental Services Engagement Briefing Paper

-  ‘The future of Community Dental Services in Leeds’ consultation leaflet

-  Changes to Community Dental Services draft media release

 

Sam Prince, Executive Director of Operations, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, was in attendance and introduced the report. Members were informed that in summary, the proposal was to provide specialist dental services from 3 bases across the city, as opposed to the 5 sites that are currently used.

 

·  Consultation period. Members expressed concerns that the consultation period was only intended to take place for 6 weeks, rather than the recommended 12 weeks, and requested that the consultation be extended.

·  Comparable cities. A Member provided detail for the number of facilities for specialist dental services in major cities with similar populations to Leeds, and felt that in comparison, the 3 bases proposed would not sufficiently meet the needs of the population. Members were informed that an assessment of the estate found that the services could be offered from 2 sites. The Chair requested more information to be provided on the levels of referral to specialist services compared to other major cities.

·  Travelling to appointments. Members felt that the reduction of sites would cause greater difficulty and expense to patients travelling to appointments, particularly for those with additional needs. The Chair also commented that the Climate Emergency should be considered in regards to travel during the decision making process.

 

RESOLVED –

 

a)  That the report and appendices, along with Member’s comments and requests, be noted.

b)  That the Board’s comments and requests be sent directly to NHS England for consideration.

 

Councillors D Ragan and M Iqbal left the meeting at 4:55 pm, and Councillor C Anderson at 5:05 pm, during discussion of this item.

 

 

15.

Work Schedule (2019/20) pdf icon PDF 125 KB

To consider the Scrutiny Board’s outline work schedule for the 2019/20 municipal year.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support submitted a report that presented the outline work schedule for the 2019/20 municipal year.

 

Following on from discussions earlier in the meeting, Members requested that a working group be arranged to agree on areas of focus for the year. As part of the discussion, the Board acknowledged there were limitations on the work schedule due to the resources directly available to support the Board’s work.

 

RESOLVED –

 

a)  That a working group be arranged to further consider sources of work for the forthcoming municipal year.

b)  That the Chair and the Principal Scrutiny Officer consult with the relevant Director and Executive Board Members regarding resources in line with the agreed Vision for Scrutiny and report back to a future meeting of the Board with an updated work programme.

 

 

16.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

Tuesday, 23 July 2019 at 1:30pm (pre-meeting for all Board Members at 1:00pm). 

 

Minutes:

Tuesday, 23 July 2019 at 1:30pm (pre-meeting for all Board Members at 1:00pm).

 

The meeting ended at 5:30 pm.