The Health and Adult Services - Executive Members & Corporate Director meeting on 28 June 2024 focused on the approval of a new contract for the Care Market Representative Organisation and discussed the ongoing challenges in adult social care funding. The council also reviewed the progress of the Living Well programme aimed at supporting vulnerable adults in the community.

Care Market Representative Organisation Contract

The council approved the new Care Market Representative Organisation Contract. This contract is intended to improve the representation and support for care providers in North Yorkshire. The decision was made after considering the benefits of having a dedicated organisation to advocate for care providers, which include better communication channels and more effective lobbying for resources.

Councillor Paul Convery highlighted the importance of this contract, stating, This will ensure that our care providers have a strong voice and can effectively communicate their needs and challenges to the council. There were no significant objections to the proposal, and it was passed unanimously.

Adult Social Care Funding Challenges

The meeting also addressed the ongoing challenges in funding for adult social care. The council discussed the increasing demand for services and the financial pressures faced by the sector. Councillor Convery noted that the current funding model is unsustainable and requires urgent reform to meet the growing needs of our ageing population.

The council reiterated its commitment to lobbying the central government for increased funding and exploring alternative funding models. The discussion also touched on the potential impact of the upcoming changes to the Care Act 2014, which sets out the legal framework for adult social care in England.

Living Well Programme Progress

The Living Well programme, which aims to support vulnerable adults in the community, was reviewed. The programme focuses on early intervention and prevention, helping individuals to maintain their independence and reduce the need for more intensive care services.

The council noted positive outcomes from the programme, including improved well-being and reduced hospital admissions among participants. However, there were concerns about the sustainability of the programme given the current funding constraints. Councillor Convery emphasised the need for continued investment in preventive services, stating, Investing in early intervention not only improves lives but also reduces long-term costs for the council.

For further details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet for the meeting.