Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services which provided further detail regarding the integrated commissioning model between the City of London Corporation and the NHS City and Hackney Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Governing Body.

Members discussed the report in detail and the following points were raised:

·         The “equitable approach” referred to in the report was a misleading term. Officers confirmed the intention was to adopt a similar approach regarding integrated commissioning across the CCG’s area and not about standardising the level of service across the two areas which may have an impact on the standard of service in the City of London.

·         Members challenged officers on the lack of information regarding employees with learning difficulties and officers agreed, confirming it was a problem in schools and health services as well.

·         Members sought and were given assurances that the ‘committees-in-common’ governance structure would not prohibit the Corporation from making decisions. Keeping separate Integrated Commissioning Boards secured a City-specific focus which was continued through the work-streams.

·         Members queried how the level of care provided to Portsoken residents would be safeguarded. Officers confirmed the integrated approach was a leap of faith but the CCG was trusted to take account of the different needs of City and Hackney. They advised that if the model proved successful it could be used it as leverage to reopen discussions regarding partnerships with other CCGs. Members sought and were given assurances that objectives/KPIs would be put in places to ensure services to Portsoken residents were being delivered to the same, if not better, standard.

·         With regard to public health provision for City workers, officers advised they were in discussions with Barts Health to provide more primary care services at the minor injury unit.

·         Officers confirmed that there was still uncertainty regarding the break clause timescales and, in response to Members queries and concerns, undertook to clarify the arrangements under delegated authority provisions.

·         With regards to the scrutiny arrangements moving forwards, Members noted that the Integrated Commissioning Board would be a Sub Committee of the Community & Children’s Services Committee, and as such any decisions it made or reports it received could be called in for scrutiny. Officers advised that, where appropriate, this Committee could join with Hackney’s Scrutiny Committee to review the Boards.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.