Health and Social care leaders have reiterated a concrete commitment to prioritising support for the most vulnerable – in a challenging financial environment.

South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) were updated on the medium-term financial forecast and particularly the funding gap that is estimated for this year and next.

This includes an unanticipated, additional pressure of £7 million (recurrent from 1st April 2023) which requires to be met. This follows an agreement being reached between the South Lanarkshire Council  and Trade Unions following a review of the Home Care job evaluation. Work is being undertaken to identify a solution for 23/2024 – with an ongoing solution being worked on for 1st April 2024. The calculation of the costs of back pay is also ongoing.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire IJB said: “We remain resolute in our key commitment to prioritise and protect the most vulnerable and at-risk; and enable independent living wherever appropriate across our communities.

“We will be faced with challenging decisions in the coming months, given sharply rising costs and in light of the budgets available.”

The wider financial strain on public finance is well-publicised – and not confined to South Lanarkshire. The local position is very consistent with the wider national context explained in Audit Scotland’s Integration Joint Boards Financial Analysis 2020/21

The remainder of today’s business set out several examples of how partners are continuing to develop care in difficult circumstances.

Lesley McDonald, Chair of the IJB, said: “The unremitting focus of our hardworking staff and our leadership team is to keep people safe.

“As business today attests, these efforts are based on diligence, governance, innovation - and a continuing commitment to work supportively, compassionately, together.”

Members also endorsed a refreshed Communication and Engagement Strategy during today’s business.  

Ms McDonald added: “The IJB fully recognises the crucial importance of continuing to use our well-established lines of effective communication and two-way dialogue. This will ensure that people are kept-up-to-date and our decisions are fully informed by the lived experiences of all of the communities we serve.

“Overall, there was continued, resolute commitment today, from all members of the IJB, to work together, with our partners and communities, in addressing serious challenges going forward.”

• Audit Scotland have stated that ‘Scotland’s Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) face considerable financial challenges and immense pressures on their workforce. IJBs have reached the point where significant transformation will be needed to ensure the long-term capacity, financial sustainability and quality of services individuals receive.’ Integration Joint Boards: Financial analysis 2021/22 | Audit Scotland (audit-scotland.gov.uk)
• The IJB needs to be in a balanced financial position to ensure it is able to ensure the provision of appropriate supports and essential services.
• A Sustainability and Value Programme approach has now begun to ensure financially sustainable supports for the most vulnerable in our communities.
• In the coming months this programme will require to be approved separately by the IJB and implemented and monitored during 2023/2024 and beyond.
• This process will be carried out in consultation with NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Council, as well as wider partners.
• The Health and Social Care Partnership will also enter dialogue and engagement with members of the public as necessary and in accordance to statutory obligations. Any proposed change will be subject to full scrutiny in reports to the IJB for consideration and approval.
• The papers for today’s South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board can be read at this link: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/slhscp/downloads/file/412/sl_ijb_meeting_20_june_2023