The Health and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Panel of Ealing Council met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to review the progress of Adult Social Care transformation and CQC assurance, discuss current public health priorities, and examine the Health of the Borough report. The panel also considered its terms of reference and draft work programme for the upcoming year.

Adult Social Care Transformation and CQC Assurance

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the improvement plan for Adult Social Care, which was developed following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating of requires improvement in Autumn 2024. The report detailed progress made in areas such as reducing wait times for assessments, improving strategic capacity, and establishing new governance structures. It also highlighted ongoing work to enhance practice excellence, support unpaid carers, improve access to housing, and leverage technology. The report noted the challenging operating context, influenced by national reform agendas like the Casey Review and the upcoming Fair Pay Agreement. The panel was asked to note the contents of the report and endorse the approach to improving the experience of residents using adult social care support.

Public Health - Current Priorities

A report was presented outlining the key health needs of Ealing's residents and the work of the public health team in addressing them, in line with the 'Together in Ealing' Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-28. Strategic priorities for the next 12 months included the re-commissioning of major public health services such as sexual health, substance misuse, and 0-19 health visiting and school nursing. The launch of new services, including a weight management service, a falls prevention programme, and a drug-checking pilot, was also scheduled. The report detailed ongoing work to address the building blocks of health, such as work and health initiatives, preventing gambling-related harm, and addressing the health impacts of temporary accommodation. The panel was asked to consider and comment on these priorities.

Health of the Borough Report 2025-2026

The panel was to review Ealing Council's fourth annual Health of the Borough report, which details the council's achievements in tackling inequalities and improving the long-term health and wellbeing of residents. This report, a commitment within the Council Plan 2022–26, highlights 18 key council-led and commissioned activities. The report focuses on themes such as supporting residents through difficult times, empowering communities, improving the lives of children and young people, creating healthier environments, and tackling health inequalities. It showcases achievements including increased income maximisation for residents, the growth of community initiatives like Community Champions and Town Teams, and reductions in school suspensions and exclusions through the Therapeutic Thinking programme. The panel was recommended to consider the breadth of work undertaken by the council to improve resident health and wellbeing.

Panel Terms of Reference and Draft Work Programme 2026-2027

The panel was scheduled to consider its draft terms of reference and work programme for the 2026-2027 period. This included a recommendation to agree the terms of reference, appoint co-optee members, and agree the work programme. The report outlined the panel's general and specific powers, its deliberative, investigative, and evidence-based methodology, and its relationship with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Cabinet, and local NHS bodies. The proposed co-optee members included representatives from Ealing Healthwatch, Ealing and Hounslow Community and Voluntary Services, and residents actively involved in health scrutiny. The work programme itself was to be a rolling plan, with items considered as they arose.