Agenda item

The Chair stated that the Committee had previously asked for more information on the matter which the report provided.  There were several recommendations within the report but the Committee were not obliged to choose any of them.  They could also modify any of the recommendations to their satisfaction.  The Head of Business Improvement and Partnerships stated the subject would be considered by Full Council next week.

A Member congratulated the Head of Business Improvement and Partnerships on the quality of the report that had been circulated.  He reminded Members that Accountability Sessions were held quarterly.  It was important not to duplicate the work of these sessions.  It was evident that considerable finance investment would be needed if the UHNS was going to take on more services.

The Chair asked the Leader of the Council if there had been any direct discussions with any of the other local authorities on the matter.  In response the Leader of the Council stated that the original conversations had been with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.  He was aware that the County Council had some concerns regarding the proposals for a Joint Committee.  He personally believed the joint working approach would be beneficial in avoiding duplication by the different authorities.  He believed what was best for North Staffordshire as a whole may not necessarily be the best outcome for the Borough. It was therefore important that the Borough Council looked at the issues and in his opinion this was best done in collaboration with the other authorities.  He had spoken to the Chief Executive of the UHNS who was supportive of a joint approach believing it would add weight to any proposals.  The Leader stated that whilst the accountability sessions were quarterly he did not believe these would keep up with the pace of change. He believed if there was a unified approach any challenge would be stronger. 

A Member stated that it was important to progress the matter quickly.  It was important that the residents of the Borough did not suffer as a consequence of the proposals for change.  In support of this statement a Member stated that the authorities would be stronger collectively and could unite their resources in the best interests of the people. 

The Chief Executive stated that the Chief Executive of the UHNS was supportive of a co-ordinated joint approach.  He could support the process better if he did not have to facilitate four separate Committees.  The process would be more in depth as a consequence.  There was a consensus amongst the Committee that a joined up approach was the best way forward.

RECOMMENDATION: That the Health Scrutiny Committee supports the principle of establishing a Joint Committee with other local authorities, to consider the implementation of the proposals resulting from the changes to the Mid-Staffordshire NHS foundation Trust.   In addition a smaller Group of Members from the Health Scrutiny Committee, in liaison with the Leader and Chief Executive, will meet to discuss the mechanics and terms of reference for the proposed Joint Committee.