Agenda item - Formal Public Involvement

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Agenda item

Formal Public Involvement

(b) Written questions from members of the public

Minutes:

51(b)  Written questions from members of the public

 

51.1       The Chair stated that three public questions had been received.

 

51.2       The Chair invited Mr. James Wood to ask the following question:

 

Can the council confirm that 10 extra units for Housing First will be available from 1 April 2019?”

 

51.3       The Chair thanked James wood for his question and gave the following written response:

 

“I have accepted this question as part of the response at the last meeting was that we would be providing an update at this Board.

 

We support the commitment to expand Housing First by an additional 10 units.

 

We are currently working on sourcing these 10 units to deliver this scheme expansion.

 

There are a range of options available to us to meet this commitment which we are currently working through.

 

We would be happy to provide members with an update on progress at a future committee or via a separate briefing”

 

51.4       The Chair invited Mr. James Wood to ask his supplementary question.

 

51.5       Mr. James Wood stated that he was a part of Galvanise Brighton & Hove, a part of the European Campaign to end street homelessness, and that that there were many volunteers who were keen to take part in the effort. He asked if he could receive answers form the Board in plain English because what he had received was overly complicated.

 

51.6       The Chair responded that a formal letter could be arranged and a contact be provided for further communication on the subject.

 

51.7       The Chair invited Madeleine Dickens to ask the following question:

 

“Given the imminent merger of the HWB with the city CCG, and the proposed Integrated Care Partnership, are councillors aware of the acceleration of NHS privatisation being carried out by the CCG? The latest CCG Contracts Log reveals well over £100 million in private contracts including many £millions in payments to private hospitals. Does HWB agreement to the joint arrangements indicate acceptance of the fragmentation and dismantlement of the NHS which such levels of privatisation are bringing about?”

 

51.8       The Chair thanked Madeleine Dickens for her question and gave the following written response:

 

“The HWB, both as it is constituted now and however it may alter following the agreed review, is a Board that has a representative membership of those responsible for and stakeholders who have an interest in the health and wellbeing of our residents in Brighton and Hove and as such there is nor can there be an imminent merger as suggested. The Board does not recognise the fragmentation and dismantlement of the NHS that the questioner has stated and will continue to hold system leaders to account for NHS and system performance within national and local policy direction. We will continue to engage and consult with residents and other stakeholders as has been demonstrate with the Big Health & Care Conversation and more recently Our Health, Our Care”

 

51.9       The Chair invited Madeleine Dickens to ask her supplementary question.

 

51.10    Madeleine Dickens Stated that the written response she received had ignored privatisation as a factor in her question and she asked how £100 million of public money channeled in to private contracts would not have an impact on existing public services, whilst considering how that degree of privatisation was rapidly escalating. She stated she was disappointed in the Board’s response and that these issues affected the whole City.

 

51.11    In response to the Chair commenting that the original question was centered on fragmentation, Ashley Scarff stated that he would be happy to provide a further written response however significant funding to external providers has and always would exist.

 

51.12    The Chair invited Pat Kehoe to ask the following question on behalf of Ken Kirk:

 

Trusts for our local health services are under immense financial stress, with record deficits. Primary care services are at breaking point. Demand for healthcare outstrips funding. The only way that “sustainability” can be achieved is by more cuts, limiting the service to Brighton and Hove; to suggest otherwise is deception. Is it not right that the HWB committee set up to represent the people be honest and admit that the pretence that’s conveyed in STP plans, that a comprehensive health and social care system can be created by integrating them, isn’t possible? Isn’t it time that you are straight with us?”

 

51.13    The Chair thanked Pat Kehoe for her question and gave the following written response:

 

“The Board recognises the funding challenges of the NHS and indeed has received regular reports on progress being made where closer integration of strategy and working arrangements will support the health and care needs. These regular reports have stated the challenges we face and equally have outlined the opportunities for the city that will be assured through closer working. These have included critical reports, for example looking at GP numbers as well as looking at the financial concerns. I would refer you to the answer given to the previous question. This clearly shows that we have engaged and consulted with residents and will continue to do so”

 

51.14    The Chair invited Pat Kehoe to ask her supplementary question.

 

51.15    Pat Kehoe stated that the STP would result in a depleted Health and Social Care program ran by less qualified staff. She asked if a collaborative local approach would send a message to the Government to better fund services as this would be at the resident’s best interest whom which the Board should foremost represent.

 

51.16    The Chair responded that the Board was absolutely in support of a partnership approach and their finances and resources were always aimed at delivering the best for the City.  She stated that the local STP needed to change direction to align the national recommendations however the authority’s sovereignty would be retained.

Supporting documents:

 


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