The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 27 August 2026 to discuss plans for increasing Extra Care and supported housing provision across Leicester, and to review the current provision of overnight short breaks for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. The Commission also received a verbal update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of the Shared Lives scheme and considered its work programme.

Extra Care and Supported Living: Review of Need & Delivery Feasibility

The Commission was scheduled to consider a report on the findings of an independent review into the current and future demand for Extra Care and supported housing in Leicester. The review aimed to assess market capacity, investment appetite, and delivery options to support the Council's ten-year strategy for supported living and extra care. The report indicated a need for between 684 and 1,111 additional specialist, supported, and extra care housing units by 2031. It highlighted that Leicester is considered an investable location, with a shortlist of six priority sites identified for potential development. The proposed roadmap focuses on creating the conditions to accelerate delivery through a clearer pipeline, stronger governance, and an investment prospectus. The Commission was asked to note the findings, recognise the scale of future demand, support the development of a delivery programme, and note the proposed roadmap and associated governance arrangements.

Overnight Short Breaks for People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism

A report was scheduled to be presented outlining the findings of a review into overnight short breaks for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism (LDA). The review identified opportunities to improve the current offer and make information about available support clearer and more accessible. Feedback from unpaid carers and individuals using the services highlighted issues with eligibility, charging arrangements, and difficulties in finding clear information. The review also identified areas for improvement in forecasting, data quality, and planning across Children's Services, Preparing for Adulthood, and Adult Social Care. The report proposed an improvement programme with key deliverables including the publication of an Adult Short Breaks Directory, the development of a clearer pathway into overnight short breaks, and the implementation of a Short Breaks Improvement Plan to strengthen data quality and forecasting. The Commission was invited to comment on the overall direction of travel for the development of Leicester's short breaks offer and the proposed improvement programme.

Verbal Update on CQC Inspection of Shared Lives

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education was scheduled to provide a verbal update to the Commission following the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of the Shared Lives scheme. The Shared Lives scheme provides care and support to vulnerable adults in the homes of approved carers.

Work Programme

Members of the Commission were scheduled to consider the work programme for the upcoming year and make suggestions for additional items they deemed necessary. The work programme document indicated that topics such as young carers, diverse by design initiatives, and a workforce report were scheduled for future meetings.