Purpose

Cabinet are asked to approve an agreement to
provide integrated mental health services to achieve Care Act 2014
responsibilities.
 

Content

Cabinet:
 
(1)         
approved the proposal to enter into a new
s.75 agreement with NELFT to meet the needs of residents who have a
mental health need; for a period of five years from 1st
February 2026, incorporating annual break options; and

 
(2)         
delegated authority to approve the final terms of the s.75
agreement to the Strategic Director of Adult Services in
consultation with the Portfolio Lead Member for Health and Adults
and the Strategic Director of Resources.
 
Options & Alternatives
Considered
 
Three options were considered by senior
managers from both organisations. They were to:
 
·        
Continue with the same agreement model without changes.
-      
This model does not address known issues and risks losing
stakeholder confidence.
·        
End the Section 75 Partnership and return to separate delivery
models.
-      
This model would mean the loss of integrated pathways and
multidisciplinary working, alongside reduced outcomes for residents
with a mental health need.
·        
Refresh and recommit to the Section 75 Partnership Agreement.
-      
This model offers the strongest benefits, building on the existing
strengths of integrated working and enabling a holistic and joint
up approach for residents in order to deliver good outcomes.
 
Senior management from both the Council and
NELFT, recommend option 3, to enter into a new and refreshed
agreement.
 
The s.75 review undertaken in 2025 reaffirmed
the value of the current agreement and positive changes are already
underway. Particularly around strengthening governance arrangements
and streamlining operational processes. 
 
Both parties recognise the value in continuing
to work in an integrated partnership, especially when working with
the most complex individuals.
 
The Council has not found enough evidence to
support going into partnership with an alternative organisation, as
all alternative arrangements need to interface with NELFT as the
ICB’s service provider and would therefore create a further
layer for residents to negotiate.
 
There is currently no strong evidence, that
bringing social work teams back in house improves outcomes for
individuals due to the loss of integrated pathways and
multidisciplinary working. It is integral to note that the NHS 10
Year Health Plan strongly promotes integrated provision, and the
lack of integrated teams could damage relationships and partnership
working, and ultimately outcomes for individuals.