Issue - meetings

To consider the briefing on the Health and Wellbeing Board and implications for scrutiny.

RECEIVED the briefing on the implications for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the Health and Social Care bill and the Localism Bill, presented by Melanie Ponomarenko (Scrutiny Officer).

NOTED

·        Overview and Scrutiny would continue to have the power to refer matters of significant services to the Secretary of State.  However, under the Bill this would need to be triggered by a meeting of Full Council.

·        Overview and Scrutiny powers under the Bill will be expanded to cover all NHS funded services.

·         The Committee would, at such a time that the Health and Social Bill is finalised, seek confirmation from the Leader of the Council that statutory health scrutiny powers will be retained by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. 

·                    A Committee member expressed concern about how GP Consortia and NHS budgets would be scrutinised and noted that the committee could request the information from the GP consortia, who will  be accountable to the NHS Commissioning Board.

·                    The Committee asked for a briefing note on “designated services” mentioned in the Health and Social Care Bill (Action No 218.2).

·                    The Local Involvement Network (LINk) would become “Healthwatch” and would sit on the Health and Wellbeing Board. 

RESOLVED to note the report.

RESOLVED