The Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to discuss the council's draft annual report, the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy, and the performance of Adult Social Care services. The committee was also due to consider the development of its work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee Draft Annual Report 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to receive the draft annual report for the Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2025-26 municipal year. This report, presented by Councillor Bob Purser, Chair of the Committee, was expected to outline the committee's activities and achievements during the year. Key areas of focus were anticipated to include the Care Quality Commission's inspection of Adult Services, which resulted in a rating of 'requires improvement', and the subsequent development of the Council's Improvement Plan. The report was also likely to touch upon plans for closer working relationships with the Integrated Care Board, reports on public health, and the challenges of health inequalities. Furthermore, the committee's role in scrutinising the Community Safety Partnership Annual Report and the draft Domestic Abuse Strategy was expected to be detailed. The report was also set to highlight the committee's intention to develop closer working relationships with the Integrated Care Board and to monitor improvements in Adult Services.

West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030

A significant item on the agenda was the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy, developed by the Joint North and West Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board, aims to address the pervasive issues of domestic abuse and sexual violence across the region. The report highlighted that in the year ending March 2025, 17,572 domestic abuse related incidents and crimes were recorded. The strategy is built upon victim and survivor experiences, local needs assessments, and multi-agency consultation, with a deliberate shift towards prevention and early intervention. It is structured around five strategic objectives: Early Intervention and Prevention; Support and Protection for All Victims and Survivors; Building Trust and Confidence in Services; Coordinated Community Response and Partnership Working; and Holding Perpetrators to Account. The strategy also detailed the legal duties placed on local authorities by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, including the provision of safe accommodation and the operation of a Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board.

Adult Social Care Performance Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to receive a report detailing the performance of the Council's Adult Social Care function for the 2025-26 financial year. This report, authored by Ann McGale, Interim Director – Adult Social Care, was intended to inform ongoing performance management scrutiny. The report was expected to cover performance outputs, including corporate and directorate measures, admissions to residential and nursing homes, safeguarding enquiries, Care Act assessments, carer assessments, and case audits. It was noted that full-year data was still being collated in some areas. The report indicated that admissions for those aged 65+ had exceeded the national average, with particular pressure on nursing home placements, reflecting increased acuity and potential issues with hospital discharge pathways. Performance in concluded safeguarding enquiries where Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) questions were asked was reported as good, regularly exceeding 90%. However, the report identified an area for improvement in the number of people asked about MSP outcomes. The number of Care Act Assessments completed had increased significantly from the previous year, demonstrating increased demand. While carer assessments showed a reduction in the current quarter compared to the same period last year, this was contextualised by the impact of the Accelerating Reform Fund in the previous year. A reporting issue following a system upgrade was noted for Care Act Reviews, though it was clarified that this did not prevent people from receiving reviews. Case audits highlighted strengths in person-centred care and support, but also shortfalls in areas such as feedback collection, evidence of individuals receiving copies of correspondence, and the recording of warnings and alerts. A recurring issue identified in case audits was the absence of clear, measurable progression goals. The report also detailed a rise in complaints received during the financial year, partly attributed to the implementation of a new social care records system. The majority of complaints related to assessment and care planning, and financial issues. The report concluded by noting that compliments consistently praised staff for their kindness, empathy, and person-centred approach.

Development of the Committee Work Programme 2026-27

A verbal update was scheduled to be provided by the Democratic Services Officer regarding the development of the Committee Work Programme for the 2026-27 municipal year. This would involve discussing potential topics for future scrutiny and prioritising them to ensure the committee's work programme is focused and achievable within its scheduled meetings.