The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting was scheduled to review updates on the council's financial position, strategies for tackling loneliness and improving sensory support services, and the work of the Bromley Safeguarding Adults Board. The committee was also set to consider the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan and the departmental risk register.

Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026 Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan. This strategy, approved in November 2021, aims to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing across Bromley. The action plan focuses on three priorities: improving access to information about community groups and support services, enhancing training for frontline staff to recognise individuals at risk of loneliness, and building a culture that encourages strong social relationships. Key highlights from the update were expected to include the continued development of the Simply Connect Bromley database, the delivery of Tackling Loneliness Workshops, and the positive feedback from clients of befriending services. The strategy also aims to support specific groups such as carers, people with learning disabilities, and armed forces veterans, and to promote digital inclusion and community spaces.

Bromley Safeguarding Adults Board 2024/25 Annual Report

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the Bromley Safeguarding Adults Board's (BSAB) 2024/25 Annual Report. The Board, established under the Care Act 2014, works to protect adults at risk of abuse and neglect by coordinating the efforts of partner agencies. The annual report was expected to detail the Board's achievements and those of its members in relation to its strategic objectives. The report was to cover six thematic priorities: Domestic Abuse, Financial Abuse, Self-Neglect, Modern Day Slavery, Transitional Care, and Specialist Settings. Key achievements highlighted were expected to include the co-production of resources, the delivery of multi-agency training, and the ongoing work of the Board's subgroups, such as the Performance, Audit and Quality (PAQ) subgroup and the Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) Committee. The report was also to outline the Board's priorities for 2025-26, including strengthening data analysis, embedding inclusive practices, and enhancing preventative strategies.

Budget Monitoring 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to review the revenue budget monitoring position for the Adult Care and Health Portfolio for the 2025/26 financial year, based on information up to the second quarter. The report indicated a projected net overspend of £9,632k on controllable expenditure. The main areas contributing to this overspend were identified as Assessment & Care Management (£8,304k), Mental Health (£809k), and Learning Disabilities (£504k). The report was expected to provide a detailed breakdown of these variations and commentary from the Director of Adult Social Care, highlighting ongoing financial pressures within the care market and the efforts being made through transformation projects to manage costs and improve resident outcomes.

Proceeding to Procurement: Sensory Support Services

A key item on the agenda was the proposal to initiate a new procurement process for sensory support services. Currently, contracts for sight impairment services (held by Kent Association for the Blind) and services for those who are hard of hearing or deaf (held by DeafPLUS) are due to end on 30 September 2026. The report recommended combining these into a single, seven-year contract, structured on a 3 + 2 + 2 basis. This approach was favoured to streamline services for residents with dual sensory loss, improve efficiency through a single provider and contract, and potentially achieve cost savings. The estimated annual value of the combined contract was £198,666.50, with a projected whole-life value of £1,390,665.50. The report also outlined an indicative timetable for the procurement process, including market engagement and tender evaluation.

Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan 2025-26 - Half Yearly Update

The committee was scheduled to receive a half-yearly update on the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan for 2025-26. This plan is refreshed annually and aligns with the Council's Transformation Programme and the Adult Social Care Strategy. The update was expected to detail progress made on the various actions within the plan, focusing on two key ambitions from Making Bromley Even Better : enabling adults and older people to enjoy fulfilled lives and managing resources effectively to provide value for money.

Adult Care and Health Services Risk Register - Quarter 2, 2025/26

The committee was to review the Adult Care and Health Services' Risk Register for the second quarter of 2025/26. This report provides an overview of the key risks impacting the directorate's ability to deliver its priorities and objectives, along with the actions being taken to mitigate them. The register was expected to highlight changes in risk ratings since the previous quarter, with specific attention given to risks related to financial strategy, the delivery of adult social care and learning disability services, public health services, emergency planning, health and social care integration, community equipment provision, CQC assurance, changes to the national landscape, and performance management data.

Work Programme and Matters Outstanding

The committee was scheduled to review its forward work programme and matters outstanding from previous meetings. This item allows the committee to ensure that priority issues are being addressed and that there is an appropriate balance between holding the executive to account, policy development, and external scrutiny of local services. The report was expected to provide an update on previously requested actions and outline the proposed work plan for the committee.