Purpose

To approve a new Better Care Fund Section 75 Partnership Agreement between Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030, following agreement of the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial schedules and partner contributions.

Decision

That Cabinet:

a)    Approves the Section 75 Partnership Agreement between Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030;

b)    Approves the pooled budget arrangements and financial contributions for 2025/26 and 2026/27 between Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, as detailed within the agreement and associated schedules;

c)     Authorises the Corporate Director Community Wellbeing to take all operational decisions necessary to finalise, implement and manage the agreement.

Alternative options considered

It is a national requirement that the Better Care Fund is transferred into one or more pooled funds established under section 75 of the NHS Act 2006. The Council and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board are required to have an agreement in place to support the delivery of integrated health and adult social care services. There is, therefore, no alternative to having a Section 75 agreement in place.