The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee convened to discuss several key issues, including approving a new domestic abuse policy for housing services, addressing homelessness, and setting the course for future care technology and public health initiatives. The committee approved a new domestic abuse policy and also approved tendering a contract for technology services.

Domestic Abuse Policy Approved

The committee approved a new Domestic Abuse Policy for Richmond's Housing Services and granted the Executive Director of Resident Services the authority to adopt the policy, pending further consultation. The policy aims to provide clear guidance for staff and partners in responding to domestic abuse, ensuring a safe, effective, and compassionate response for residents.

The policy:

• Embeds Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) standards across teams.
• Follows the Domestic Abuse Act 2021's definition of domestic abuse, recognising various forms of abuse (physical, emotional, economic, and coercive) and acknowledging children as victims if they witness abuse in the home.
• Emphasises support and multi-agency arrangements, including the role of Refuge, one-stop shops, and sanctuary schemes¹.
• Prioritises training staff to respond empathetically and guide victims through available options.
• Highlights the importance of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) in responding quickly and effectively to domestic abuse cases.
• Acknowledges that domestic abuse takes different forms across different intersectional backgrounds, including race, disability, and language.

During the discussion, Councillor Paulina Vassileva, Tenants’ Champion, raised concerns about customer service protocols and ensuring staff handle domestic violence inquiries with appropriate gravity. Councillor Stephen O'Shea asked how officers would be enabled to identify and engage with people who might not have yet reached the point of self-reporting. Councillor Andy Hale asked how the council would ensure the policy was robustly promoted and how it would address other forms of violence, such as antisocial behaviour.

Quarterly Budget Monitoring Report

The committee reviewed the Q2 Quarterly Monitoring Report, which showed a projected overspend of £2.204 million against a revenue budget of £75.370 million. The overspend was largely attributed to homelessness services. The adult social care budget was reported to be on target.

Dave Worth, Director of Housing Services, addressed concerns about homelessness trends, linking them to the upcoming implementation of the Renters Reform Bill². He noted that demand for homelessness services had increased significantly in the last six months and that numbers in temporary accommodation in England are at an all-time high. He speculated that the Renters Reform Act could lead to a decrease in demand in the future.

Councillor O'Shea asked about how the effectiveness of the new domestic abuse policy would be measured, and was told that domestic abuse as a cause of homelessness is already monitored. Councillor Richard Bennett, Chair of Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee, inquired about an overspend in telecare income following a transfer from housing, and was told that the income budget is underachieving and is being looked at.

Public Health Contracts Direct Award Approved

The committee approved the use of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Direct Award Process B to award new contracts to NHS GP surgeries and pharmacies to deliver public health locally commissioned services (LCS) contracts for an initial period of two years from 1 April 2027, with an option to extend for a further eight years in two-year increments.

A concern was raised about the long timescale and potential changes in the NHS. Niki Arowobusoye, Consultant in Public Health - Children & Targeted Interventions and Senior Public Health Lead, assured the committee that the two-year increments would allow for regular reviews and adjustments based on changing needs and data. Councillor Richard Fenner asked what the council would be able to do about any issues that were identified. Niki Arowobusoye responded that the council would have early warning of any problems with GP surgeries and would work with them to address any issues.

Care Technology Procurement Approved

The committee approved the tendering of a contract for the provision of technology services for the council for an initial period of four years, plus the option to extend for up to a further period of one year, giving a total contract value of £2.90 million over five years. The committee also approved the procurement approach and timetable and agreed to delegate the award decision to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Public Health in consultation with the chair of the committee.

Councillor Vassileva questioned whether the projected increase in the number of people receiving care technology was ambitious enough. Claire Tew, Assistant Director, Assurance and Innovation, explained that the focus was shifting to supporting people with more complex needs, which would result in lower volumes but greater financial benefits. Councillor Hale sought clarity on some of the numbers in the report, and was told that there was a different starting point for the numbers in different paragraphs.

Richmond Dementia Strategy Update

The committee noted the delivery of outcomes and outputs under phase one of the Richmond Health and Care Dementia Strategy and noted that Dementia Friendly Richmond (DFR) is progressing well and is procured until 2030.

Councillor Clare Vollum, Deputy Mayor and Dementia Champion, suggested introducing hearing checks more formally, and Niki Arowobusoye responded that this was an excellent idea that could be incorporated in an evidence-based way. Councillor Hale suggested ensuring that councillors receive dementia awareness training and engaging unpaid carers. Councillor Bennett asked what was going to happen with the capital nurses, and was told that this was more of a health question.

Care Homes Contract Award

The committee discussed the Richmond Care Homes Contract Award and then moved into a private session to discuss commercially sensitive information.