The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council met on Thursday, 23 October 2025, to discuss and endorse a new five-year strategy for commissioning care homes for older people. The panel also received updates on the delivery of the Dementia Strategy, the new Physical Disability Strategy, and the Adult Social Care performance for Quarter 1 of the 2025/26 financial year.

Approval of a Care Homes Commissioning Strategy for Older People

The panel discussed and endorsed a proposed five-year strategy for commissioning care homes for older people in Hertfordshire. This strategy aims to address significant challenges, including a projected shortfall of 800 affordable nursing beds by 2032, increasing demand for care for those with high frailty and dementia, and the need for systematic improvement in dementia care outcomes. The strategy outlines four priority areas: commissioning better outcomes for older people with dementia and frailty, supporting provider partnerships and sustainability, strategic care estate delivery, and working with Integrated Care System (ICS) partners to better support care home residents. The action plan for this strategy includes developing new dementia care contract standards, reviewing the Dementia Care Accreditation framework, and delivering new nursing homes in Stevenage and South Oxhey.

Dementia Strategy Delivery Report

Alison Spalding from the Hertfordshire Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity Health and Care Partnership, and Helen Maneuf, Interim Director of Adult Care Services, presented an update on the Dementia Strategy's delivery. The strategy, launched in 2023, focuses on prevention, timely diagnosis, and support for those affected by dementia. Key initiatives include the development of a Hertfordshire version of the Dementia Friendly Accreditation Scheme, which is set to roll out in January. The report highlighted significant progress in community support services, with over 8,000 attendances at Alzheimer's Society groups and over £180,000 in small grants provided to grassroots dementia services. The strategy also addresses the specific needs of people with young onset dementia and aims to improve integrated health and social care pathways.

Physical Disability Strategy

Laura Gordon, Head of Community Commissioning for Disabled Adults, introduced Hertfordshire County Council's first Adult Physical Disability Strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy, co-produced with disabled people and carers, aims to create a county where disabled people can live independently, feel included, and lead fulfilling lives. It sets out seven system-wide objectives to address physical, social, and environmental barriers, including environmental accessibility, inclusive transport, accessible information, support for carers, community inclusion, accessible housing, and assistive technology. The strategy acknowledges that not all objectives fall solely within the council's remit and will require partnership working with other bodies.

ACS Performance Monitor – Quarter 1 (Q1), 2025/26

Alex Ogle, ACS Performance and Improvement Manager, presented the Adult Social Care performance for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report highlighted sustained high demand, with over 34,000 new requests for support, 18% above pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, assessment wait times were managed under 28 days, with a median of 23 days for both adults and carers. The report also detailed the outcomes of the Adult Social Care Survey 2024-25, which indicated an overall quality of life score of 19.2 out of 24, with satisfaction with care and support rising to 68.2%. However, social contact remained a concern, with only 42.1% of respondents reporting sufficient social interaction. The report also noted a slight decline in the quality of life score and a drop in social contact, with potential links to transport issues in rural areas.

The meeting also included the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting and noted the absence of public petitions. The date of the next meeting was set for Thursday, 29 January 2026, in Stevenage.

Decisions Made:

• The Cabinet Panel was asked to note and comment on the proposed Care Homes Commissioning Strategy for Older People and endorse it to Cabinet for agreement.
• The Cabinet Panel was invited to note and comment on the Dementia Strategy Delivery Report and support the Strategy and its Delivery Plan, as well as support the introduction of the Dementia Friendly Accreditation Scheme in Hertfordshire.
• The Cabinet Panel was asked to note and comment on the contents of the Strategy for Physically Disabled Adults (2025–2030) and endorse it to Cabinet for publication.
• The Cabinet Panel was invited to note the Adult Social Care performance monitor report for Quarter 1 (Q1) 2025/26 and the results from the Adult Social Care Survey for 2024-25.

Key Attendees:

• Councillor Sally Symington (Chair, Executive member for Adult Care Services)
• Councillor Calvin Horner (Vice-Chair, Deputy Executive member for Adult Care Services)
• Councillor Nigel Bell (Leader, Labour Group)
• Councillor Rachel Carter (Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee)
• Councillor Liz Needham (Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee)
• Councillor Tony Kingsbury
• Councillor Paul Seeby
• Councillor John Hale (substituting for Chris Lloyd)
• Helen Maneuf (Interim Director of Adult Care Services)
• Kristian Tizzard (Head of Service, Commissioning for Older People, Adult Care Services)
• Alison Spalding (Hertfordshire Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity Health and Care Partnership)
• Laura Gordon (Head of Community Commissioning for Disabled Adults, Adult Care Services)
• Alex Ogle (ACS Performance Manager)