The meeting covered two main topics: the redevelopment of a golf course and the uplift of adult social care fees.

Redevelopment of Golf Course

The council discussed a significant scheme for the redevelopment of a golf course. Robin presented the plan, emphasizing the benefits and the importance of completing the redevelopment. The council agreed to proceed with the proposed course of action.

Adult Social Care Fee Uplift

The council plans to increase fees for providing adult social care starting in April 2024. The fee increases will apply to various types of care, including residential care, home care, supported living, direct payments, and shared lives. The uplift aims to support the sustainability of care provision and address cost of living pressures while enhancing pay for care workers in Barnsley.

The budget for these fee increases is part of the medium-term financial strategy and includes a £5.4 million grant for sustainability and improvement initiatives. Wendy highlighted the introduction of an integrated quality team that will work closely with the independent care sector to ensure high-quality care. The council also discussed providing advice to individuals applying for care, including information about benefits such as carer's allowance. They plan to review and develop their information and advice offerings to better support the public.

The meeting concluded with no further comments, and the chair thanked everyone for their attendance. The meeting covered updates on governance arrangements for the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO), a compulsory purchase order for the Goldthorpe Housing Project, and an adult social care fee uplift.

Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) Governance Arrangements

The council discussed proposed changes to the management agreement of the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO), which operates under a joint committee of 13 original founder member local authorities, including Barnsley. The changes were recommended by the YPO management committee and result from a review by a working group of strategic officers and founder member authorities. The council agreed to delegate authority to the executive director of core services to sign off the finalized management agreement, noting that all 13 founder member authorities must agree to the amendments. It was emphasized that the changes do not affect voting rights or strategic influence.

Goldthorpe Housing Project

The council resolved to make a compulsory purchase order to facilitate the Goldthorpe Housing Project. While properties have been acquired by negotiation, some areas have unknown or restricted land ownership. The compulsory purchase order aims to address these issues. Tenants, owners, occupiers, and landlords will continue to be supported. The council agreed on the importance of this scheme for the redevelopment of Goldthorpe.

Adult Social Care Fee Uplift

The council discussed plans to increase fees for providing care starting in April 2024. The fee uplifts will apply to various types of care, including residential care, home care, supported living, direct payments, and shared lives. The increases aim to support the sustainability of care provision and enhance pay for care workers in Barnsley. The budget for these increases is outlined in the medium-term financial strategy, which includes a £5.4 million grant for sustainability and improvement initiatives. An integrated quality team will work closely with the independent care sector to ensure high-quality care. The council also plans to review and strengthen its information and advice offer for individuals applying for care.