The Adults and Cultural Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 1 June 2026 to review the progress of the Care Quality Commission Improvement Plan, discuss the department's performance report for 2025/26, and receive an introduction to new cultural services. The meeting's agenda focused on updates regarding the delivery of adult social care services and the integration of new cultural provisions.

Care Quality Commission Assessment 2025: Improvement Plan Delivery Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the progress of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan. This plan was developed following the CQC's assessment in September 2025, which rated Leicestershire County Council's adult social care services as Requires Improvement. The report detailed ongoing actions to address identified areas for development, including timeliness of assessments and reviews, access to information, advice, and guidance, reablement services, and hospital discharge processes.

Specific initiatives mentioned included efforts to reduce waiting times for assessments, with temporary resources allocated and new reporting dashboards implemented. The report also highlighted progress in the Carers Strategy 2026-2030 consultation and the development of a new carers' support service offer. Furthermore, updates were provided on the sufficiency and quality of provider services, with re-commissioning of Community Life Choices day services underway and discussions continuing for new Extra Care accommodation. The report also touched upon efforts to ensure equity of access and experience for all service users, including those in rural communities, and improvements to safeguarding processes.

The report also outlined the CQC's updated assessment approach, which places a greater emphasis on people's outcomes and experiences, including those of unpaid carers. Future assessments will consider the impact of local government reorganisation and will be either comprehensive or focused in nature. The report detailed the characteristics of local authorities that have achieved outstanding and good ratings in CQC assessments, such as strong flow and access, a focus on prevention, and effective use of occupational therapy.

Performance Report 2025/26 – Position at March 2026

The committee received a performance report for the Adults and Cultural Services Department for the year 2025/26. This report, which focused on the department's previous structure before the integration of new cultural services, provided an update on key performance measures.

For Adult Social Care, the report indicated a mixed picture. While there was a reduction in the proportion of people requiring no ongoing support following reablement, and an increase in permanent residential care placements, performance remained strong in supporting younger adults with learning disabilities to live independently. The proportion of people receiving a completed annual review continued to rise and was significantly above the national average. The report also noted an increase in safeguarding alerts and enquiries, with a high percentage of enquiries resulting in a reduction or removal of identified risks.

In the area of Culture Leicestershire, the report highlighted increased visitor numbers to heritage sites and a rise in library loans, particularly e-loans. Volunteer hours at libraries, museums, and heritage services also exceeded the locally set target. The Creative Learning Service saw a strong attendance at workshops, though slightly below the previous year's figures. The Adult Learning Service reported a success rate for learning aims that was above its target and higher than the previous year.

Cultural Services

The committee was introduced to three new service areas that had moved into the Adults and Cultural Services Department from May 2026: Country Parks, Beaumanor Hall and Park, and the Century Theatre. These services were previously managed under Leicestershire Traded Services within Corporate Resources.

The report detailed Leicestershire County Council's network of 18 country parks and open spaces, managed under the Country Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2019 – 2029. This strategy aims to ensure parks contribute positively to environmental, ecological, health, and social outcomes. Beaumanor Hall, a Grade II* listed building, functions as a conference and wedding venue, hosts civic events, and includes an outdoor education centre offering various activities. The Century Theatre, a small community theatre located within Snibston Colliery Park, operates as a receiving theatre with a programme of live music, theatre, comedy, dance, and film, aiming to improve wellbeing and foster social connections within the community.