Issue - meetings

This paper presents to the Select Committee the Cabinet report on Public Health 2013 – 14 which was considered at LBHF Cabinet on 4^th March 2013.

Mr Derek Myers and Dr Eva Hrobonova responded to questions in respect of the Public Health Update, as Dr Melanie Smith, the former Director of Public Health, had not transferred to the tri-borough councils, which had agreed to a single public health team hosted by Westminster.

Mr Myers stated that an interim director would be appointed and that a short list of candidates would be with Councillor Ginn within two weeks. There would be a full appointments process for the substantive appointment.

Members raised queries in respect of the public health budget and specifically whether it could be used to support Adult Social Care. Mr Myers responded that all three councils had ended the financial year with a small underspend  on Adult Social Care. The Public Health budget was a ring fenced grant from Public Health England, and could not be used for other purposes.

The PCTs had previously commissioned a range of public health services, for the tri-borough  councils. Those relevant to the new duties of local authorities, as opposed to those of the CCGs, would be transferred. The financial commitment would be known and discreet.

Councillor Cowan stated that the Opposition had concerns and reservations in respect of the arrangements for Hammersmith & Fulham.

Members raised issues in respect of the budget and staffing. Mr Myers responded that, whilst the estimated spend on public health was £101million, this had been split three ways: tri-borough councils, Public Health England and NHS England. In 2013-2014, tri-borough councils would receive £71.3million in public health grant. The public health team currently comprised 48 posts, of which eight were currently vacant. 38 posts had transferred from the NHS and ten from Adult Social Care,

Councillor Ginn responded that the immediate priority was the successful transition of public health. A review of the service, including the public health and commissioning strategies would follow. The value of public health contracts by function, shown in the report, indicated the previous spend. Currently, the grant was slightly higher than commitments. Hammersmith & Fulham, over the next six to nine months would undertake a strategic analysis  of the previous spend and review the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).

Dr Hrobonova responded to a query in respect of the availability of data, that there was specific health service data, which public health would continue to be able to access, and the negotiation of access to data from all relevant bodies would be one of the objectives included in the JSNA.

A member queried whether any discretion could be exercised in the provision of demand led mandated functions. Coucncillor Ginn responded that whilst mandatory functions would be considered as part of the review of budgetary allocations, information on performance management indicated that councils would be required to report spend against both mandated and non-mandated functions. In addition, there were clear links between these functions, for example the National Child Measurement Programme and Obesity, children.

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The Committee noted the report.

2. An update report be added to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54

1.                  That Westminster City Council is the Tri-borough host for Public Health, be approved.

2.                  That the Executive Director of  Finance and Corporate Governance (LBHF), the Town Clerk and Executive Director of Finance (RBKC) and the Chief Operating Officer (WCC), and the respective Heads of Legal be authorised to enter into a Tri-Borough Agreement in respect of Public Health in accordance with Section 113 of the Local Government Act 1972.

3.                  That the two Chief Executives, as accounting officers for the three Councils, delegate decisions about spending on public health services (within the scope of Annex A attached to the report) to the Director of Public Health, subject to each Council’s financial regulations, be approved.

4.                  That officers carry out a review of the current public health contracts, in close consultation with Members of all three authorities, once the new public health service is embedded within the Tri-borough, be approved.