The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel met on Thursday, 10 September 2026, to discuss changes to day service transport, the Better Care Fund, and the annual complaints report. Key decisions included the adoption of an alternative transport model for day services following public consultation and noting the achievements and ongoing work of the Better Care Fund, which supports integrated health and social care across Hertfordshire.

Response to Day Services Public Consultation on Changes to Opening Times and Council Transport

The panel discussed the outcome of a public consultation regarding proposed changes to day service opening times and council transport. The initial proposal, Option A, aimed to reallocate day service vehicles for home-to-school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which would have necessitated later opening and closing times for day services. This proposal received significant negative feedback from residents, families, and staff, who raised concerns about the impact on daily routines, medication times, social activities, and the well-being of individuals with complex needs, including those with neurodiversity.

In response to this feedback, an alternative model, Option B, was developed. This option involves contracting out all day service transport, allowing existing council vehicles to be primarily used for SEND transport and community activities until 2.30 pm. Option B will maintain current day service opening times and is projected to achieve savings of approximately £1 million, though less than the initial £1.7 million target. The panel agreed to note the outcome of the consultation and the adoption of Option B, with a commitment to receive an update on the pilot scheme at the earliest opportunity.

Hertfordshire Better Care Fund: Delivery, Outcomes and Neighbourhood Health Integration 2026-27

The panel received an update on the Hertfordshire Better Care Fund (BCF), a statutory pooled budget of £161.5 million that supports integrated health and social care services. The report highlighted strong performance in key metrics, with discharge delays and long-term admissions to care homes performing better than regional and national averages. The BCF has supported approximately 19,000 hospital discharges in 2025-26, with a focus on enabling residents to recover and remain independent at home. Initiatives such as reablement, community navigation, and prevention of admission services have reached thousands of residents, demonstrating positive outcomes and reduced reliance on ongoing care.

The BCF is also seen as a key enabler for the emerging Neighbourhood Health agenda, with existing BCF-funded services aligning with principles of integrated neighbourhood working, preventative care, and community-based support. Hertfordshire has secured places on national BCF Support Programme Communities of Practice focusing on Home-Based Intermediate Care, Health and Wellbeing Boards, and Supporting Unpaid Carers during Discharge. The panel noted the achievements and strategic contribution of the BCF, its alignment with Neighbourhood Health, and received an update on hospital discharge activity.

Adult Care Service Complaints 2025-2026 Report

The panel reviewed the annual report on adult care service complaints for 2025-26. The report indicated a slight increase in the total number of complaints received (442) compared to the previous year, but a decrease in formal complaints (344). A significant increase was noted in Senior Management Reviews (SMRs), up by 189%, which was attributed to the establishment of a dedicated complaints team and a more robust process for handling complaints, including encouraging early resolution. The report highlighted that communication remains a recurring theme in complaints, alongside issues related to assessments, care plans, worker conduct, and disputed charges.

Nationally, Hertfordshire is performing better than similar councils regarding complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), receiving fewer complaints per capita. The report also detailed learning from complaints, with actions taken to improve communication, financial assessment processes, and the coordination of services. The panel noted the report and commented on its findings.

Cabinet Panel Work Programme 2026/27

The panel considered the proposed work programme for 2026/27. Items for future discussion include updates on the Social Care Workforce, Supported Living Programme, Day Services Property Reprovision, and developments in Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) legislation. The work programme also includes updates on the Connect and Prevent Programme, with a specific focus on nursing home development and budget proposals for adult care for 2027-28. The panel approved the work programme, subject to amendments and prioritisation, including a request to consider the Shared Lives service and the Learning Disability Big Plan in future discussions.

The meeting also included Chair's announcements, noting the council's participation in national Better Care Fund communities of practice and commending the implementation of recommendations from the Impact of Scrutiny Advisory Committee. A significant announcement was the formal completion of the lease agreement for Furswood Lodge, a new nursing care facility, with residents expected to move in by mid-September.