The Health Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of important public health matters, including planning for the upcoming winter season, strategies for adult social care, and updates on vaccination and immunisation programmes. The committee also reviewed findings from the Care Quality Commission's assessment of adult social care services and considered the council's overview report.

Planning for Winter 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to receive a report providing a forward view of the planning underway for the winter period of 2026/27. This report, prepared by the Interim Place Partnership Director and the Executive Director of Adult Social Services, aimed to outline the coordinated efforts of health and care system partners in Manchester and Greater Manchester to prepare for the anticipated pressures of winter. The plan was expected to build on lessons learned from the previous winter and align with key thematic areas of focus.

Adult Social Care - Unpaid Carers Strategy 2026–2029

A report was presented outlining the Unpaid Carers Strategy for 2026-2029. Developed collaboratively by Manchester Local Care Organisation (MLCO) Commissioning, Gaddum, and other partners, this strategy aimed to provide a clear framework for improving outcomes for unpaid carers. The strategy was informed by extensive engagement, including direct feedback from over 250 unpaid carers, and focused on adult carers aged 18 and over. Key priorities included creating a centralised carer support hub, introducing a carers navigation service, expanding flexible and culturally appropriate respite, improving mental health support for carers, strengthening financial support and advice, embedding carer awareness across services, investing in peer support and co-production, and supporting future planning for carers.

Adult Social Care CQC Assessment Findings and Directorate Response

The committee was scheduled to review a report summarising the findings of Manchester City Council's first Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of Adult Social Care. The assessment resulted in an overall rating of Good with a score of 73%, making Manchester the highest-rated Core City authority in England. The report highlighted areas of notable achievement, such as strong leadership, effective partnership working, and a commitment to reducing inequalities. It also outlined how the Directorate was refreshing its transformation programme, Achieving Better Outcomes Together (ABOT), to address areas identified for further improvement and support the progression towards an Outstanding rating.

Vaccination and Immunisation Update

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the city's vaccination and immunisation programmes. This update was intended to set out the national and local context for these programmes, summarise delivery and performance information across the life course, and detail the approach to communications. The report was also expected to identify key opportunities and challenges associated with the vaccination system within the city.

Overview Report

The committee was to receive an overview report from the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit. This monthly report typically includes a monitor of previous recommendations, details of relevant key decisions, items for information, and the committee's work programme. It also contains additional information, such as details of organisations inspected by the Care Quality Commission.

The Health Scrutiny Committee's role is to review how the Council and its partners in the NHS deliver health and social care services to improve the health and wellbeing of Manchester residents. While these committees do not make decisions, they can make recommendations to decision-makers.