1. Supporting Strategic Commissioning Learning Exchange 10th March 2015
Challenges Facing Local Government Commissioners
Neil Ayling
Chief Officer, Social Services
Flintshire County Council

2. What I am going to cover :
Personal reflections
Economic challenges
Service and demand led issues
Political and policy pressures
Central challenges
New opportunities
Continuing principles
A recent example of success
Future basing

3. What is it like out there ?
It’s noisy !
We are in unprecedented times
A distinctive Welsh offer ?
Big opportunities, but equally big risks
We still have the control?
.. what then are the financial challenges

4. Economic Challenges

5. Economic Challenges 7.5% reductions year on year for 3 years
All services are in a very similar boat ?
Partners are also involved : duties and risks
Still short term funding scenarios .
No respite in prospect
Formal partnerships, are they helpful ?
… but what about demands

6. Service and Demand Led Issues
Demography of course
Spur to quality, (baby boomer generation)
Rising expectations
Instant evaluation
Standards feed into legislation (eventually)
Control and choice
Greater plurality of partners
Connectivity of public sector bodies
… what of the politics and direction

7. Political and Policy Pressures
Potential but eventual LGR
Regular election cycles for next 3 years
White Paper, ‘Reforming Local Government, Power to the People’
The Wellbeing of future generations Bill
The Social Services and Wellbeing Act
Housing Bill
…So some key dilemmas for commissioners

8. Square that Commissioning Circle !
Do more with less !
Keep strategic direction whilst giving power to consumers
Maintain long term commission plans when the commissioning bodies will change
Work across agencies, with different funding cycles and arrangements
Work to change carefully, or to transform ‘bravely’
Keep services safe
Encourage creativity amidst regulation.
…What do we need to do new

9. New Opportunities Co-production Alternative Service Delivery
Social Enterprise
Use the wider public and citizen to drive up quality
Revised tendering and HR, legal procedures
Market Shaping
..But some existing practices remain important

10. Existing Principles of Practice
Clear plans based on evidence
Fair approaches to care / provision
Quality circles
User empowerment, financial control
Addressing wider health and economic determinants
Be clear re must dos, e.g. 15 minute visits
…..Some recent learning

11. The Intermediate Care Fund Learning
One year, 50 million, late decisions, significant evaluation burden , recruitment challenges but,
Creativity, partnership, wider sector involved, buy in, financial control and outcomes enhanced… so
Continued support
Real example of successful pragmatic commission
…But finally where will we /do we want to be

12. In 5 years time Fewer Commissioners ? More Partners
More diverse providers and community based
Increased range of alternative delivery models
Less direct provision
Formal flexibilities .. And hopefully
Better outcomes !
Thank you