The Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Hertfordshire Council met on Thursday, 27 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the activities of Healthwatch Hertfordshire in relation to social care, and the scrutiny work programme for 2024-25. Decisions were made regarding the adoption of the proposed scrutiny work programme.

Healthwatch Hertfordshire - Activity in Relation to Social Care

Healthwatch Hertfordshire presented a detailed report on their recent activities concerning social care. The report highlighted the organisation's efforts to gather public feedback on social care services and to advocate for improvements. Key issues raised included the quality of care in residential homes and the accessibility of services for people with disabilities.

Councillors discussed the findings and expressed concerns about the consistency of care quality across different providers. One councillor noted, The disparity in care quality is alarming and needs immediate attention, while another emphasised the importance of ensuring that all residents receive the highest standard of care, regardless of their location.

The committee agreed to support Healthwatch Hertfordshire's ongoing efforts and to work closely with them to address the identified issues. The full report can be accessed here.

Scrutiny Work Programme Report 2024-25

The committee reviewed and approved the Scrutiny Work Programme Report for 2024-25. This report outlines the key themes and areas of focus for the upcoming year, including health and social care, education, and environmental sustainability.

During the discussion, councillors debated the prioritisation of topics within the work programme. Some argued for a stronger focus on environmental issues, citing recent local climate events, while others stressed the need to continue addressing social care challenges. Ultimately, the committee decided to adopt a balanced approach, ensuring that all critical areas receive adequate attention.

The approved work programme includes a series of planned reviews and public consultations to ensure that the council's actions align with community needs and expectations. The detailed themes for the committee meetings in 2024-25 can be found here.

Other Business

The meeting also included a brief discussion on the agenda and the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 24 April 2023, which can be viewed here. No significant issues were raised during these discussions.