Issue - meetings

          The Board considered a report of the Executive Director – Adult Services, that sought approval of the updated two year Joint Working Agreement (JWA) between Halton Borough Council (HBC) and NHS Cheshire & Merseyside (CM), taking effect from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025. The JWA replaced the previous one year JWA which was agreed by Executive Board on 16 March 2023.

          It was noted that since March 2023, national guidance had been issued in respect of the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan and discussions had also taken place between HBC and NHS CM regarding the governance arrangements in respect to the Pooled Budget. This had resulted in the establishment of a Joint Senior Leadership Team (JSLT) between HBC and NHS CM. The JSLT would be responsible for the direction, oversight and monitoring of the BCF Plan and associated Pooled Budget. The JSLT would be supported in this duty by the Better Care Commissioning Advisory Group.

          The new governance arrangements along with links to the two year BCF Plan had been reflected in the new JWA.

          As the JWA was currently being progressed through NHS CM’s associated governance channels, it was requested that delegated authority be given to Executive Director – Adult Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, to finalise the new JWA.

Reason(s) for Decision

Approval of the agreement will continue to support both the HBC and NHS CM in developing our integrated approach to service delivery and transformation to improve the Health and Wellbeing of Halton residents.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Allow the JWA to cease.

Implementation Date

The two year JWA takes effect from 1 April 2023.

          RESOLVED: That

1)    the contents of the report and associated Appendix be noted; and

2)    the Agreement be approved, with delegated authority to the Executive Director – Adult Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, to finalise the new Joint Working Agreement (JWA)