The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to discuss changes to day service transport, the Better Care Fund, and the annual complaints report. Key decisions included the adoption of an alternative transport model for day services, which will maintain current opening times and utilise contracted operators, and the noting of the Better Care Fund's achievements and alignment with the Neighbourhood Health agenda. The panel also reviewed the Adult Care Services annual complaints report for 2025-26, noting a decrease in formal complaints and an increase in senior manager reviews, which was attributed to improved complaint handling processes.

Response to Day Services Public Consultation on Changes to Opening Times and Council Transport

The panel discussed the outcome of a public consultation regarding proposed changes to day service opening times and council transport. The initial proposal, Option A, aimed to use existing council vehicles for both special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) home-to-school transport and adult care services (ACS) journeys, which would have necessitated later opening and closing times for day services. However, the consultation revealed significant concerns from service users, families, and staff regarding the impact of later timings on health conditions, social activities, and daily routines.

In response to this feedback, an alternative model, Option B, was developed. This option will see all day service transport provided by contracted operators, while council vehicles will be prioritised for SEND transport and community activities until 2:30 pm. This approach is expected to save approximately £1 million and, crucially, will maintain current day service opening times. While some minor adjustments to off-site activity timings may be necessary, Option B is considered a more person-centred and sustainable solution. The panel agreed to note the outcome of the consultation and the adoption of Option B.

Hertfordshire Better Care Fund: Delivery, Outcomes and Neighbourhood Health Integration 2026-27

The panel received an update on the Hertfordshire Better Care Fund (BCF), a statutory pooled budget of £161.5 million aimed at integrating health and social care services. The report highlighted the fund's significant achievements in 2025-26, including strong performance in reducing delayed hospital discharges and long-term admissions to care homes, with Hertfordshire performing better than regional and national averages in these areas. The BCF has supported approximately 19,000 hospital discharges, with services like impartial assessments and wellbeing follow-up calls enabling people to return home safely.

The fund also plays a crucial role in supporting residents to remain independent, with initiatives like reablement and community navigation services helping over 84% of discharged individuals remain at home after 91 days. Preventative services, including admission avoidance and dementia support, have helped thousands of residents avoid unnecessary hospital stays. The BCF is also recognised as a key enabler of the emerging Neighbourhood Health agenda, supporting integrated neighbourhood working, preventative care, and partnerships with the voluntary sector. The panel noted the BCF's achievements, its alignment with Neighbourhood Health, and received an update on hospital discharge activity.

Adult Care Service Complaints 2025-2026 Report

The panel reviewed the annual report on adult care service complaints for 2025-26. The report indicated a decrease in formal complaints from 401 in the previous year to 344, although the number of senior manager reviews increased significantly by 189%. This increase was attributed to the establishment of a dedicated complaints team, which has improved the process for escalating concerns and ensuring thorough reviews. The report highlighted that communication remains a primary theme in complaints, alongside issues related to assessments, care plans, and financial matters.

The panel was reassured by the introduction of the complaints team, which aims to provide a more consistent approach across adult care services and to learn from feedback to improve service delivery. The report also noted that Hertfordshire performs better than national averages in terms of complaints received per capita. The panel noted and commented on the report, acknowledging the importance of learning from complaints to drive continuous improvement.

Cabinet Panel Work Programme 2026-27

The panel considered the proposed work programme for 2026-27. Key items scheduled for discussion include updates on the social care workforce, supported living programmes, day services reprovision, and changes to legislation regarding the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The work programme also includes a focus on Connect and Prevent initiatives, with future updates planned on nursing home development and budget proposals for adult care. The panel approved the work programme, with a commitment to consider potential additions and prioritisation of items, including a request to discuss the learning disability big plan and shared lives services.

The meeting also included announcements regarding the council's participation in national communities of practice for intermediate care, health and wellbeing boards, and supporting unpaid carers during discharge. The completion of the lease agreement for Furswood Lodge, a new nursing care facility, was also announced, with residents expected to move in by mid-September. The panel was also informed that all recommendations from a recent budget scrutiny review had been implemented and commended.