The Head of Integrated Services presented the report of the Director of Adults, Health and Strategic Commissioning which provided an update on the outcome of the extension of the contractual arrangements via a section 75 agreement with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) and made recommendations as to the future delivery of the services. The service was judged to be performing well and was rated good by the Care Quality Commission, with a stable workforce and low volumes of complaints. Further extensions of three years and two years were recommended to allow for action or review to deal with changes in legislation and other issues. It was noted that recruitment of staff was an ongoing issue nationally.

Resolved – That – 

1. The outcome of the review of the CWP social work delivery Section 75 agreement, subject to the outcome of any consultation entry into a further Section 75 agreement with CWP for a 5-year extension with a 3 year, plus a two-year option, at a projected cost of £32,172,645 for the 5-year extension, be approved.

2. The Director of Adults, Health and Strategic Commissioning be authorised to commence joint, formal consultation with CWP regarding entering into a further Section 75 agreement with CWP on a long-term basis for 5 years with options to extend the agreement for a further period of 3 years and then a further period of 2 years.

3. Subject to the outcome of the consultation delegated responsibility be given to the Director of Adults, Health and Strategic Commissioning, in consultation with the Chair and Spokespersons of Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee to authorise entering into a further Section 75 agreement for 5 years with ability to extend for 2 additional periods of 3 years and 2 years.