The Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Policy and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the council's work programme for the upcoming year, as well as review the Bi-Borough Learning Disability Plan and consider the mobilisation of the new homecare framework. The meeting also included a discussion on provisions for learning disabled residents and respite care.

Work Programme for 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to discuss and shape its work programme for the municipal year 2026-2027. This involved considering areas where the council is developing new policies, reviewing existing ones, or where scrutiny can provide assurance. The committee was also to consider the establishment of Task Groups or Single Member Studies for more in-depth examination of key issues.

Homecare Mobilisation

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Homecare Mobilisation programme. This included consideration of the place-based homecare model and the transformation programme for council-commissioned homecare services. The report was to cover framework services and specialist provision, provider selection, performance monitoring, and quality assurance. It also detailed the mobilisation timeline, support for residents during the transition of care packages, plans for managing provider failure, and adherence to best practice standards and the Ethical Care Charter. The existing patch-based model, which had led to a reliance on spot providers and challenges for care workers, was being replaced by a neighbourhood-based approach designed to improve local integration and support for carers.

Provisions for Learning Disabled Residents and Respite Care

The committee was scheduled to review the Bi-Borough Learning Disability Plan (2023-2026), titled Changing Lives. This plan, developed with input from residents, carers, and partners, outlines seven key pillars: good support for family and carers, housing, health, information and advice, planning together, preparing for adulthood, and living independently in the community. The report was to provide updates on the implementation of Changing Lives, highlighting progress in areas such as supported living, residential care, community-based support, and short breaks. It was also to note the increase in employment rates for adults with learning disabilities and explore ways to build on this success. The committee was invited to consider how to further involve people with lived experience, carers, and resident groups in the ongoing implementation of the plan.