The Head of Integrated Services presented the report of the Director of Public Health which summarised the mandatory Quarter 3 (Q3) report submitted to National Health Service England (NHSE) on 7 February 2024. It provided data to demonstrate that there have been no changes to the capacity and demand assumptions as set out in Wirral’s 2023/25 Better Care Fund (BCF) plan. It demonstrated continued compliance with the requirements of the BCF fund and that the NHSE outcomes for 2023/25 had been met. It was noted that workshops were to take place to examine the data in more detail.

Members questioned the information for them to sign off and the  difficulty of achieving sign off with Committee and Government timescales was discussed.

The Chair proposed an amendment for recommendation (4) to state: that delegated authority be given to the Director of Care and Health to approve the year-end BCF report in consultation with chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

This was seconded by Councillor Jeff Green.

Resolved: That

1. it be noted that there is continued compliance with the requirements of the BCF fund and that (NHSE) outcomes for 2023/25 have been met.

2. it be noted that there are no changes to the capacity and demand assumptions included in the 2023/25 BCF plan.

3. the mandatory joint (with NHS Wirral Integrated Care Board (ICB)) Q3 BCF submission be approved.

4. delegated authority be given to the Director of Care and Health to approve the year-end BCF report in consultation with chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

5. the information provided enable the Health and Wellbeing Board to influence the deployment of BCF services within the lifespan of this plan (2023/25) and future plans.

6. it be noted that the current position does not pose a risk to the Section 75 Agreement.