Agenda item

            Adults with Learning Disabilities’ (ALD) Services were guided by “Valuing People” the Government National Guidance published in 2001, which set out the priorities for the delivery of services for Adults with Learning Disabilities. The Guidance recognised the need to work in partnership both across agencies and with service users and carers. In Halton the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Halton Borough Council (HBC) had worked closely together, this had been achieved by:

- the establishment of a pooled budget since 2002, managed by HBC. The budget stood at £12.8m 2007/2008 and included most ALD services and the Community Care budget.

- co-location of the PCT’s Health Team and HBC’s Care Management Team.

            It was proposed that the partnership between the PCT and the Council could now be further strengthened to offer a fully integrated service. The PCT was seeking to transfer 13 posts to the Council and place them under the management of HBC. The transfer would take place on 1^st July 2008. There were a number of advantages for this proposal which were set out below:

- the service would improve as People with Learning Disabilities would only have one point of access and assessment, currently there were two systems for service users and carers to navigate;

- nurses and social workers would have one management system, thus avoiding duplication and inefficiencies and would be based in one location at John Briggs House, Widnes;

- the “person centred planning” approach would be strengthened in line with national guidance “Valuing People 2001”.

            The proposal to transfer NHS staff into Halton had been subject to widespread consultation with staff and undertaken in partnership between the Council and the PCT. The proposals did not set out the delivery of a new model of service therefore formal consultation with service users and carers was not required.  

            The Sub Committee was advised that the integration of services for People with Learning Disabilities offered the Council the opportunity to be more efficient in its delivery of services. There would be an increased ability to be flexible and a decrease in duplication improving the experience of people with learning disabilities assessed to be in need of services. It was planned that the existing agreement of a pooled budget and joint management between the PCT and the Council would be amended to reflect the new arrangements which would result in the Council providing all care and budget management. This would be undertaken by agreement between the Council and the PCT and subject to formal notification by both parties.

            It was noted that the transfer of NHS staff would be subject to TUPE protection and a contract between the PCT and the Council that would cover all financial implications. In addition, the PCT would provide funding to the Council for the staff and it was proposed this would be a five-year agreement subject to a mid review at 3 years. There would not be any additional costs to the Council with this proposal.

            RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee agree the arrangements for a five-year contract between Halton Council and Halton and St. Helens Primary Care Trust (PCT) to transfer 13 posts (of which 6 were vacant), to the Council including a requirement for the PCT to meet the costs of these posts during the five-year term.