The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to discuss the recommissioning of short breaks and emergency respite services, and to review the Principal Social Worker's Annual Report. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Short Breaks Re-Commissioning Plan

The committee considered a report on the recommissioning of short breaks and emergency respite services, which are currently provided by Making Space from two council-owned buildings, Swallow Lodge in North Hykeham and Cedar House in Spalding. The current contracts expire on 31 August 2026.

Martyn Parker, Assistant Director of Public Protection, and Anne Doyle, Interim Commissioner for Commercial Services, presented the proposals. The current model, which has been in place for over five years, has faced challenges with flexibility, choice, and responsiveness. Feedback indicated that the buildings were not purpose-designed for short breaks, leading to issues with capacity and the ability to accommodate individuals with complex needs. Additionally, the buildings require ongoing maintenance and repairs.

The proposed new model involves commissioning 12 beds across up to 12 different residential and nursing care settings throughout the county. This approach aims to offer greater choice, flexibility, and a more localised service, bringing provision closer to people's homes. The new model will be managed through a centralised booking system within the council, providing better oversight and contract management. A block payment approach will be used, with a 75% retainer fee for reserved beds to ensure availability while delivering best value.

Councillor Christopher John Reeve expressed concern about whether there would be enough providers willing to offer these spaces. Officers confirmed that pre-market engagement had indicated a positive appetite from residential and nursing providers to diversify their services.

Councillor Kelham Cooke raised questions about the transition plan for existing service users, asking for assurances that individual transition plans would be in place before the current arrangements end. Officers stated that transition planning is a critical part of the process, ensuring that individuals and families are at the centre of any changes.

Councillor Mrs Susan Woolley questioned the low response rate (23%) to engagement with families and carers regarding the proposed changes. Officers explained that this response rate is statistically valid for such exercises and that the feedback received was consistent with previous engagement. They also assured the committee that responses were anonymised.

Councillor Mrs Marianne Jane Overton MBE raised concerns about the closure of the existing centres and the potential reduction in overall capacity, especially given increasing demand. She also questioned why the buildings had not been maintained, leading to low occupation rates. Officers clarified that the buildings are of an age where maintenance issues have emerged, impacting availability. They also stated that the new model aims to optimise utilisation by dispersing provision across the county, potentially increasing availability at peak times.

The committee voted to acknowledge the report's recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, with two members abstaining.

Principal Social Worker Annual Report

Chris Erskine, Principal Social Worker for Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, presented the first Principal Social Worker Annual Report. The report highlights the role's statutory function in providing professional leadership, quality assurance, and driving continuous improvement in social work practice across adult care.

The report detailed achievements in practice quality, with 447 Quality Practice Assurance Reviews completed by the end of Quarter 3, showing a 90% compliance rate. The Better Lives model, focused on strengths-based practice and independence, has been embedded, with over 120 practitioners trained. The report also outlined progress in the Direct Payments Improvement Programme, which has delivered over £2 million in savings.

Councillor Mrs Woolley commented on the report's structure, suggesting that more prominence should be given to the Principal Social Worker's contribution. Councillor Woolley also questioned the origin of a new priority related to CQC findings, which officers clarified was not directly from recent CQC findings but a proactive measure.

Councillor Reeve inquired about staff retention and job satisfaction, and whether this is benchmarked against other local authorities. Officers confirmed that benchmarking is undertaken and that while the workforce is generally stable, there are ongoing efforts to address recruitment and retention challenges, particularly concerning digital offers.

Councillor Mrs Overton raised concerns about the complexity of accessing social care services and the potential decrease in specialist mental health workers within Section 75 arrangements. Officers acknowledged the complexity of access and stated that work is underway to improve the user journey. They also noted that the Section 75 responsibilities for mental health services are transitioning back to Lincolnshire County Council, which will provide greater opportunity for influence and control.

The committee voted to endorse the Principal Social Worker Annual Report, acknowledging the progress made and supporting the identified priorities for the year ahead.

Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. Key changes noted for the next meeting on 3 June 2026 include the CQC assessment report being moved to the 29 July meeting, and the inclusion of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board annual report. The potential for a report on website improvements for adult social care was also mentioned.

The committee approved the planned work programme for 2026.