The Associate Director of Finance, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside,presented this report which provided a description of the arrangements that had been put in place to support effective integrated commissioning. It set out the key issues in respect of: (a) budget and variations to the expenditure areas for agreement and inclusion within the 2023/24 shared “pooled” fund; and (b) risk and gain share arrangements. In 2023/24 Wirral Health and Care partners had chosen to currently jointly pool £267.88m to enable a range of responsive services for vulnerable Wirral residents as well as a significant component of Better Care Funding to protect frontline social care delivery. This paper provided an update to the pooled fund budget, a summary forecast position as at Month 4 to 31st March 2024 and the financial risk exposure of each partner organisation. The report also provided an update on the preparation of the framework partnership agreement under Section 75 of the National Health Services Act 2006 relating to the commissioning of health and social care services.

Resolved – That

1.   it be noted that the forecast position for the Pool at Month 4 is currently a balanced planned budget position.

2.  it be noted that the shared risk arrangements are limited to the Better Care Fund only, which is reporting a planned balanced budget position.

3.  it be noted that the 2023/24 Section 75 agreement has been sent for the final legal review from both parties before organisational sign off.