The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of important issues concerning the provision of adult care and health services in Bromley. Key topics included the appointment of co-opted members, an update on the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan, the Tackling Loneliness Strategy, and the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme. The committee also reviewed the Adult Care and Health Services Risk Register and considered contract award reports for Sensory Enablement Services and Supported Living. Additionally, discussions were scheduled regarding the re-procurement of the 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service and the extension of a partnership agreement for Community Mental Health services.

Appointment of Co-opted Members

The committee was scheduled to consider the appointment of co-opted members for the 2026-27 municipal year. This included appointments to the South East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with Councillors Gemma Turrell and Alwin Puthenpurakal proposed as Bromley's representatives. The committee was also set to agree co-opted member appointments to the Adult Care and Health PDS Committee itself, with details to be tabled at the meeting.

Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan 2025-26: End of Year Update

An update on the progress of the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan for the second half of 2025-26 was scheduled for review. This plan aligns with the Council's corporate strategy, 'Making Bromley Even Better', and the Adult Social Care Strategy. The report indicated that progress had been made on all actions within the Portfolio Plan, focusing on two key ambitions: enabling adults and older people to enjoy fulfilled lives and age well, and managing resources effectively to provide value for money.

Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026: Update

An update on the delivery of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan was presented. The strategy, approved in November 2021, aims to mitigate loneliness through three priorities: organisation and services, community infrastructure, and building a culture that encourages strong social relationships. The report highlighted key achievements, including the delivery of the Tackling Loneliness Workshop, positive feedback from befriending services, and the funding of innovation projects to reduce social isolation. The strategy itself is due for an update in late 2026.

Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme Update

An update on the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme was scheduled. This programme aims to create a more sustainable and efficient operating model for Adult Social Care, improving service quality and outcomes for residents and the workforce. The report indicated that the programme had delivered significant savings in 2025/26, exceeding its target. Key achievements included improvements at the front door of Adult Social Care, the scaling of technology-enabled living solutions, and strengthening community resilience. The focus for the upcoming year was on embedding changes, scaling digital solutions, and sustaining impact.

Adult Care and Health Services Risk Register: Quarter 4, 2025/26

The committee was to review the Adult Care and Health Services Risk Register for the fourth quarter of 2025/26. This register identifies risks impacting the Council's ability to deliver its priorities and objectives. The report noted that since the previous review in February 2026, no changes had been made to the register. Mitigating actions had led to a reduction in the risk rating for several identified risks, with one high risk reduced to significant, one significant risk reduced to medium, and another significant risk reduced to low. The register highlighted key risks including failure to deliver the financial strategy, failure to deliver effective Adult Social Care and Learning Disability services, and issues related to CQC assurance and provider failure.

Contract Award Report: Sensory Enablement Services

A report was presented concerning the contract award for Sensory Enablement Services. This service supports residents with hearing and vision impairments. The current contracts were due to expire on 30 September 2026, and a procurement exercise for a combined sensory service had been undertaken. The report recommended the award of a three-year contract, with the option to extend for two further periods of two years each, to a provider detailed in a separate Part 2 report. The combined service aims to offer better value for money and a more streamlined approach for residents with dual sensory loss.

Final Outturn Report 2025/26: Adult Care and Health Portfolio

The committee was to review the final outturn position for the Adult Care and Health Portfolio for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated a projected net overspend of £6,146k on controllable expenditure. The majority of this overspend was attributed to Assessment and Care Management, particularly in placements and one-to-one support packages. Underspends were noted in Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, and the Integrated Commissioning Service. The report also highlighted the projected impact of these cost pressures on the 2026/27 budget.

Gateway Report 0-19 Children's Public Health Service: Permission to Proceed to Procurement

A report was presented seeking permission to re-procure the 0-19 Public Health nursing services, which include health visiting and school nursing. The current contract, delivered by Bromley Healthcare, is due to expire on 30 September 2027, with no further extension options available. The report proposed a competitive tender process under the Provider Selection Regime, with a new five-year contract commencing on 1 October 2027, at an estimated annual value of £5.080m. The service is crucial for delivering the Healthy Child Programme and supporting vulnerable families.

Bromley Community Mental Health Partnership: Extension of the 'Section 31' Partnership Agreement with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

The committee was to consider a recommendation to extend the partnership agreement with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust for the delivery of Community Mental Health social work services. This arrangement, established under Section 31 of the Mental Health Act 1999, integrates social care and healthcare services. The report recommended a two-year extension to the agreement, from December 2026 to November 2028, at an estimated cost of £3.8m over the extension period. While progress had been made in implementing recommendations from a previous review, further work was needed to ensure full compliance with the Care Act 2014 and safeguarding standards.

Corporate Contract Register

The committee was scheduled to review an extract from the Contracts Register as at 1 May 2026. This register details active contracts with a whole life value of £50,000 or higher across all council portfolios. The Adult Care and Health Portfolio had 55 active contracts at this time. The report provided a summary of contract status, risk index, and procurement status, with a focus on contracts approaching their end dates.

Supported Living at 109 and 111 Masons Hill and 18 and 19 Century Way: Gateway 1: Permission to Proceed to Procurement

A report was presented seeking approval to commence the procurement process for Supported Living services at four properties. The current provider, Achieve Together, has indicated they do not wish to extend their contract, which expires in January 2027. The proposal is to tender for a new care provider for an initial five-year contract with a three-year extension option, estimated at £1.2m per annum. This service supports 17 adults with a learning disability, enabling them to live independently within the community.

Contracts Register (Part 1)

The committee was presented with an extract from the Contracts Register for May 2026, focusing on contracts within the Adult Care and Health Portfolio. This report provides a snapshot of active contracts, their values, and procurement status. The register highlighted that there were 55 active contracts within the portfolio at that time, with 19 contracts flagged as Amber for procurement status, indicating that action is either in progress or should commence shortly. No contracts were flagged as Red, indicating potential issues. The report also detailed contracts with a higher risk index, including those for Mental Health services, Extra Care Housing, and Domiciliary Care Framework Providers.