Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Matthew Bell, Randall Anderson, Ruby Sayed and Siobhan Harper (represented by Jonathan McShane).

There were none.

To agree the public minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 September 2021.

The public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 17 September 2021 were approved.

Oral update on the latest position.

The Board received an oral update from Officers relating to issues and matters concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members discussed the new variant – omicron – which was considered to be more infectious than the delta variant and there was concern that this could cause significant problems should it evade immunity. At this stage, there were no known cases in the UK and this was a precautionary risk based on the genetic sequence of the virus.

A Member noted the data indicated that 62% of residents had received their first two jabs in the City but questioned if this included residents with second homes and had been vaccinated elsewhere. Officers confirmed that people in the City could only be registered with one GP so would only be serviced in one place.

Members were concerned regarding the availability of lateral flow tests which could now only be ordered online rather than collected from pharmacies. It was noted that this was withdrawn to manage availability. The focus was testing in communities of high risk. the Chairman recommended readvertising the walk-in test sites in the City.

In response to a question regarding whether people that had ignored or declined previous texts to have the vaccine meant they were no longer offered stop getting offered. officers confirmed that only those that had discussed the matter with their GP and requested they not be offered again were taken off the list.

The Chairman congratulated the Boots at Fleet Street but made a plea for a permanent and visual site in the east of the City. Officers confirmed they were advocating to the NHS who were in the process of bringing in services. When this was confirmed, it would be publicised.

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

The Board considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services providing plans for the Better Care Fund for 2021-22.

A Member highlighted the aging population in the north of the City and asked if there were sufficient care facilities available within or close to the City boundary. Members were advised that many people wanted to maintain their independence with support at home resulting in people going into care homes later and for significantly shorter periods. An overarching piece of work looking at the need and demand for residential care and the viability of providing it within the City boundaries is being undertaken.

It was acknowledged that patients often wanted to be near their family which may not be in or around the City. Residential care was also often specialist, and the patient would need to go to a facility that met their specific needs.

With specific reference to Health & Wellbeing Boards, Members were informed that the BCF process required Board oversight and approval as it involved integration of health and social care, hospital discharges, joining up of services, support to care workers, plus there was a need to promote health and wellbeing and ensure the independence of people was maintained. Members were supportive and found it helpful to see what was being achieved for residents.

Members enquired how the BCF fits into new neighbourhood and primary care networks. The Chairman requested a future report proving the detail and implications in relation to the neighbourhood scheme.

It was noted that some residents in the west of the City registered with GPs in Camden and Officers were asked how hospital discharge was managed. Members were informed that support was available to all City residents whichever hospital they were discharged from. 

RESOLVED – That Members approve the Better Care Fund

Report of the Director of Public Health.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health providing an update on the City and Hackney Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments 2022.

It was noted that many residents used pharmacies in Tower Hamlets and Islington, and not the City. It was also acknowledged that enormous work was being undertaken by pharmacies to keep people out of hospitals and maintain people’s own health and wellbeing. Officers confirmed Islington had not yet published their plan and agreed to contact them.

RESOLVED – That Members:-

·         note that the process to produce a revised PNA by 1st October 2022 has commenced;

·         receive the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the City of London and London Borough of Hackney PNA Steering Group;

·         receive an update on progress and the project plan timelines from the City of London and London Borough of Hackney PNA Steering Group on the production of the 2022 PNAs;

·         formally delegate the sign-off of the draft and final PNAs to the Steering Group.

Report of the Director of Public Health.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health providing scoping regarding the Health and Wellbeing Board Role.

In response to queries regarding the Health and Social Care Act currently going through Parliament, Members were informed that Health & Wellbeing Boards were mentioned but there was currently no great detail about what this would include. It was hoped this would become clear in early spring.

The Town Clerk advised that the Terms of Reference of the Board would be reviewed in February including a review of the Board’s membership.

With regards to the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Officers confirmed that there had been a good response from peer research which engaged with communities to develop priorities. This was moving to the next stage and documentation was being drafted ready for consultation in the spring.   

RESOLVED – That Members:-

·         Note the report;

·         Comment on the role of the City of London Corporation’s Health and Wellbeing Board;

·         Note the progress of the Act and the recommendation that the Terms of Reference of the Board are reviewed after Royal Assent of the Health and Social Care Act;

·         Approve the proposed strengthened induction of new Board Members.

Report of the Executive Director of Environment.

The Board received a report of the Executive Director of Environment concerning the Commercial Environmental Health Service Plan for 2021-2023.

RECEIVED.

Report of the Chair of Healthwatch City of London.     

The Board received a report by Healthwatch City of London providing an update on progress against contractual targets and the work of Healthwatch City of London (HWCoL) with reference to Quarter Two 2021/22.

Members were concerned regarding the ongoing phone system issues at the Neaman Practice. Members were informed that BT were involved, and Cloud was considered the last hope. Healthwatch would pursue a senior CCG representative if this was not resolved. It was felt that more fixed lines were needed.

RECEIVED.

Joint report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services and the Director of Commercial Services.

The Board received a joint report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services and the Director of Commercial Services concerning an extension to the contract for the provision of E-Services relating to the Pan London Sexual Health Transformation Programme.

RECEIVED.

There were no questions.

The Chairman gave thanks to Jon Averns who was retiring as the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection after 32 years with the City Corporation. These thanks were echoed by Members and Officers.

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the non-public minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 September 2021.

The non-public minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2021 were approved.

Joint report of the Commissioner and Executive Director of Environment.

The Board received a joint report of the Executive Director of Environment and Commissioner, City of London Police regarding the Secure City Programme (SCP) Video Management System (VMS).

Report of the Director of Public Health.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health regarding Suicide Prevention in the City of London.

There were no questions.

There was no business.