The Health Scrutiny Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 2 July 2026, endorsing the Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying action plan, and noting the outcome of the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment of Adult Social Care services, which rated them as Requires Improvement . The committee also approved the Health Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27.

Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan

The committee endorsed the Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying action plan. This strategy, which supersedes the previous 2022-2025 plan, outlines a coordinated, partnership-based approach to reducing suicide across the county. It acknowledges that suicide remains a significant public health challenge, with around 77 deaths by suicide occurring each year in Northamptonshire, disproportionately affecting men and those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. The strategy aligns with national priorities and has been developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, including consultation with over 50 organisations and individuals with lived experience. The action plan details both county-wide strategic actions and place-based actions for North Northamptonshire Council, with a phased delivery approach over the next five years. The committee noted the comprehensive process undertaken to develop the strategy, including stakeholder engagement and consultation activities.

Adult Social Care CQC Assessment Outcome and Improvement Plan

The committee noted the outcome of the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment of North Northamptonshire Council's Adult Social Care functions, which resulted in an overall rating of Requires Improvement . The assessment, which commenced in February 2025 and concluded in July 2025, identified strengths in person-centred practice, preventative offers, commissioning arrangements, partnership working, and a commitment to learning and innovation. However, areas requiring further development included the timeliness of assessments and reviews, consistency and equity of access to services, support for carers, accessibility of information, data and impact evaluation, and partnership governance.

In response to the CQC's findings, the Council has developed a comprehensive improvement plan, which has been submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The committee noted this improvement plan and supported the development of a new Adult Social Care Improvement Board. This board will be co-chaired by the Lead Member for Adults and Health Partnership and an Expert by Experience, and will include cross-party membership, VCSE representatives, and sector experts to provide challenge and oversight. Quarterly updates on the progress of the improvement plan and key performance metrics for Adult Social Care will be presented to the Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee in the future.

Health Scrutiny Work Programme 2026/27

The committee noted the Health Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27. This programme outlines the topics that the committee intends to scrutinise over the coming year, including performance monitoring of the Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, the Adult Social Care CQC Assessment Outcome and Improvement Plan, the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, and the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report. Other planned scrutiny items include reports from Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, winter preparedness, the Orchard Project: Dementia Research, substance misuse, and Disabled Facilities Grants. The committee will also scrutinise reports from the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), GP performance and availability, and dentistry performance and availability.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 17th March 2026

The committee approved the minutes of the meeting held on 17th March 2026 as a correct record and signed by the Chair.