People Scrutiny Panel – 15 March 2016

PRESENT:  Councillor Marper in the Chair.

Councillors Collinson (Vice-Chair), Armiger, Glover and Godfrey.

Statutory Co-opted Members: Mr W Egan (Church Representative), Mr S Milner, Mrs P Whittaker (Parent Governor Representatives).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

348  DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations or whip declared.

349  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK– there were no requests received.

350  NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL FAIRER CHARGING POLICY: FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK FOR ADULTS RECEIVING COMMUNITY SERVICES (NON-RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES) – The Chairman welcomed Becky McIntyre, Assistant Director Prevention and Commissioning, to the meeting.  The Chairman explained that Becky had been invited to discuss the council’s policy for people in settings other than care homes, as required by guidance and legislation.  Becky explained the rationale for charging and recent guidance on definitions of income and eligibility, and the framework for charging, including upper limits.  Becky informed the panel that the policy was in the process of being revised and updated, following discussions with the Carers’ Partnership to ensure the policy was understandable to a range of audiences.

Members asked a number of questions about the policy, including how the policy was made accessible to local people, advocacy, the calculation for assessing costs, income and other financial considerations, and methods and timescales for reassessment due to changing circumstances.

Resolved – (a) That Becky McIntyre be thanked for her attendance at the meeting;  (b) that the panel note the likely timescale for a decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member for People to adopt the revised Fairer Charging policy, and (c) that the panel agree to take no further action on this issue.

351  VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION ACROSS NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – The Chairman led a discussion on possible conclusions and recommendations arising from the panel’s work on vaccination and immunisation.  The discussion focussed on ensuring that services were sufficiently joined-up, and that work continued to improve the local uptake of the HPV vaccination.

Resolved – That a draft report be prepared and circulated to members for consideration, prior to passing to key stakeholders for comment and feedback.

352  ADDED ITEM – There were no outstanding added items.