Peterborough City Council social care agreement is approved

AN agreement to pool resources for adult social care in the city was also agreed by Peterborough City Council cabinet yesterday (8 February).

The Partnership Agreement for Adult Social Care and Health delegates all functions relating to adult social care to the primary care trust, NHS Peterborough.

The agreement, which is stipulated by government, allows for adult social care services to be integrated with health care, with PCT overseeing the operation of the merged services, including budgets.

Councillor Sheila Scott, cabinet member for children’s services, asked if council money would be protected under the agreement, in light of recent financial problems experienced by NHS Peterborough, which is £9.6 million overspent.

Denise Radley, director of adult social services, confirmed that the council money was “ring fenced” and could only be used for specific spending.