To consider the attached report and any recommendations of the Health Scrutiny Board.

Members considered the submitted report setting out the first Local Account for Adult Social Care.  It was noted that the Government had asked for Local Accounts to be put in place to enable councils the opportunity to share a common approach to the performance of adult social care.  The Local Account highlighted what had been achieved for local people in relation to adult social care, outlined the level of performance for the last financial year and commitment to future service delivery.

It was proposed by Councillor Bent and seconded by Councillor Hytche:

that, subject to any additional recommendations from the Mayor and Group Leaders, the Local Account, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared carried (unanimous).

To consider the Local Account and to make any comments to the Council.

It was noted that Local Accounts had been introduced by the Government in 2011 to provide greater transparency on adult social care information enabling local accountability for performance.  The Account included a variety of qualitative and quantitative information based around the performance headings from the Annual Strategic Agreement.

Whilst it was acknowledged that the version of the Local Account now being considered was better than the previous draft which had been presented to it, the Board expressed concern that there needed to be further clarity about the audience for the document and how the wording within it should take this audience into account.

Resolved:  that the Council be recommended to approve the Local Account for 2011/2012.

To consider the draft Local Account for adult social care in Torbay and make any comments to the Council.

Consideration of this item was deferred to a future meeting.