The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council met on Friday 04 July 2025 to discuss the approval of the Day Services Strategy 2025-2030, review the Adult Social Care performance for Quarter 4 of 2024-25, and consider the national policy context for adult social care. The panel approved the Day Services Strategy, noted the performance report, and discussed the implications of national policy developments.

Approval of Day Services Strategy 2025-2030

The panel approved the Day Services Strategy 2025-2030, which was developed following extensive co-production and engagement with service users, their families, and stakeholders. The strategy aims to review and enhance the service offer for approximately 1,000 adults who currently use day services. Consultation feedback was largely positive, with 73% of respondents finding the strategy's objectives important. While no changes were made to the strategy based on the consultation, feedback regarding meal provision will be considered during implementation. The strategy outlines eight underlying principles, including diversity, inclusion, quality, value for money, and co-production, and nine strategic objectives focused on expanding the service offer, improving activity programmes, enhancing travel options, creating a clear service identity, increasing resilience, developing a skilled workforce, improving buildings, achieving value for money, and using data for evidence-based decisions. The strategy will be implemented through a delivery plan, with further consultations planned for significant changes.

Adult Social Care Performance Monitor - Quarter 4 (2024-25)

The panel reviewed the Adult Social Care performance for the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 financial year. The report highlighted a 2% increase in new requests for support compared to the previous year, reaching 33,641, and a significant 20% rise from pre-COVID levels. Despite this increased demand, waiting times for initial needs assessments improved, with adults waiting an average of 12 days and carers 19 days. Over 27,000 adults are currently supported with services, with 15,210 receiving long-term care at an average cost of £872 per package. Safeguarding concerns saw a slight decrease of 2% to 8,665, with 30% progressing to an enquiry. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications increased by 8.6% to 6,404. The report also detailed performance against key indicators, including employment for adults with learning disabilities, direct payments uptake, reductions in residential admissions for older people and younger adults, annual care plan reviews, and older people remaining at home after hospital discharge. Discussions also covered challenges in recruiting personal assistants, the impact of out-of-county placements, and the need for more suitable accommodation for younger adults with complex needs.

Adult Social Care – National Context

The panel considered the national policy context impacting adult social care, focusing on three key areas: the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care, the Fair Pay Agreement for Adult Social Care, and the NHS Ten-Year Plan.

The Independent Commission into Adult Social Care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey, will report in two phases. Phase one, due in 2026, will focus on medium-term reforms for a national care service, likely without significant new funding. Phase two, reporting in 2028, will address long-term transformation, including funding models and care for an ageing population, with recommendations likely to be implemented after local government reorganisation.

The Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) for adult social care, part of the Government's Employment Rights Bill, aims to establish fair remuneration and terms and conditions for social care workers. While welcomed, potential financial implications for the council were noted, particularly if agreed terms exceed current pay rates. The council's existing commitment to investing in care fees and its adult care workforce strategy were highlighted as potentially mitigating some financial pressures. The report also mentioned the government's intention to curtail international recruitment to the care sector.

The NHS Ten-Year Plan, expected in July 2025, will focus on shifting from hospital to community care, prioritising prevention, and embracing digital technology. While primarily focused on the NHS, its implications for adult social care are significant, particularly regarding the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and the need for the council to review its joint commissioning arrangements with the NHS.

The panel discussed the potential impact of these national developments on Hertfordshire's adult care services, including concerns about maintaining local standards within a national framework and the importance of social care being integrated with NHS plans. The council will continue to monitor these developments and contribute to relevant consultations.

The meeting also included a discussion on the Hertfordshire Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy, which aims to build a skilled and confident workforce. The panel noted the strategy's progress and challenges, including recruitment and retention issues and the impact of national policy on international recruitment.

Finally, the panel acknowledged the departure of Chris Badger, Executive Director of Adult Care Services, who has been appointed Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care at the Care Quality Commission (CQC). His contributions to adult care services in Hertfordshire were recognised and appreciated.