The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to discuss the re-procurement of externally commissioned building-based day care services, the future of the Technology Enabled Care (TEC) service, and an extension to short breaks and emergency provision contracts. The committee resolved to support the recommendations made in relation to these items and to forward their comments to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health.

Externally Commissioned Buildings-Based Day Care Re-Procurement

The committee considered a report on the re-procurement of externally commissioned building-based day care services. The current contracts expire on 31 August 2026, and officers proposed a full re-procurement for an initial two-year period, with the option to extend for up to two further years. This approach aims to maintain continuity of care while enabling a transition towards a more flexible, community-based model.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the confidence in achieving a shift to a community-based model within the proposed timeframe, given the market's reliance on small, local organisations. Officers assured the committee that support and communication channels would be established for providers. The satisfaction rate of current providers was noted as a concern, and assurances were given that existing providers would be supported to participate in the new tender process, with fair and transparent assessment criteria.

Transportation accessibility across the large county was highlighted as a significant issue, and officers confirmed that the new contract term would include a review and update of the transport policy, exploring options such as provider-facilitated transport and voluntary car schemes. The anticipated annual cost of transport was discussed, with officers agreeing to provide specific figures to all members.

Questions were also raised about the potential closure of daycare centres, with officers stating that no decisions had been made and that the county-wide picture was being reviewed based on need. The number of assessed eligible people accessing daycare, as a percentage of those who could, was queried, and officers committed to investigating this further. The significant difference in costings between the initial two-year period and the potential four-year period was clarified as being dependent on the extension.

The committee was assured that the value of the service to users and carers was monitored through social care reviews and that the enhanced provider reporting framework would aim to elicit better service user outcome information. The committee supported the recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health to approve the proposed re-procurement.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Service

The committee reviewed a report on the recommissioning and procurement of the Council's Technology Enabled Care (TEC) service. The proposal is to move from a traditional, reactive telecare model to a more preventative and proactive approach, utilising newer technologies. This hybrid model involves an in-house team for service promotion, referral, and data analysis, and an external provider for equipment sourcing, installation, maintenance, and monitoring.

The aim is to scale TEC from supporting approximately 1,500 people to at least 4,000 over five years, with projected savings of £7.7 million over five years. The current telecare contract expires on 31 August 2026, necessitating a timely procurement process.

During the discussion, members sought clarification on the transition process for existing service users, with assurances given that a seamless transition was a priority. The figures presented were confirmed as projected savings. The availability of legacy technology was discussed, with officers confirming that alternative providers would still offer these, and the new service would expand the catalogue of devices. Concerns about monitoring external providers were addressed with assurances of robust monitoring systems and independent installation contractors.

The methods for measuring the preventative benefits of TEC were explained, focusing on data gathered from the new technology and individual progress tracking. The issue of digital exclusion was acknowledged, with officers detailing work to map digitally excluded areas and implement mitigation measures, including boosters and alternative service types. The potential for TEC to exacerbate health inequalities was discussed, with assurances that a pilot scheme had shown improvements in health equality and inclusion, and that the tender would explicitly require providers to address digital exclusion.

Concerns were raised about the tight timescales for procurement and mobilisation, with officers explaining that contingency measures were in place, including the possibility of extending the contract with the incumbent provider if necessary. The significant increase in the number of users targeted was discussed, with officers expressing confidence in achieving this through maintaining existing services alongside new provisions. The projected savings were discussed in comparison to other local authorities, with officers stating their figures were based on pilot scheme results and consultations. Finally, the removability of equipment for individuals with dementia was clarified, with various options available.

The committee supported the recommendations to approve the proposed TEC service and to forward their comments to the Executive Councillor.

Short Breaks and Emergency Provision Contracts Extension

The committee considered a report on the proposed extension of contracts for short breaks and emergency provision at Cedar House and Swallow Lodge. The current contracts expire on 31 January 2026, and an extension of seven months is proposed to allow time for the redesign and recommissioning of these services.

Officers acknowledged that the current services were traditional and limited in meeting modern needs, but assured the committee that improvements would be forthcoming. Underutilised capacity, particularly on weekdays, was noted, and officers explained that this was due to user preferences for weekend and holiday breaks. The cost discrepancies between the two sites were attributed to historic tender processes and the differing needs supported at each location, with Swallow Lodge supporting more complex needs.

Concerns were raised about the lack of sites in the north of the county, and officers confirmed that consideration was being given to meeting the needs of residents in that area as part of the procurement process. The link between short breaks and preventative and community-based pathways was discussed, with officers confirming that this would be a focus of the new approach. The lack of external activities offered at the respite centres was noted as an area for improvement, and assurances were given that this would be addressed in future contracts.

Members queried the processes in place to avoid similar situations in the future, and officers explained that a regularly monitored procurement pipeline was in place, though acknowledged that this particular recommendation had come later than desired due to delays.

The committee resolved to support the recommendation to approve the proposed short breaks and emergency provision contract extension and to forward their comments to the Executive Councillor.

Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming months. Items scheduled for future meetings include the Adult Care and Community Wellbeing budget proposals, the Integrated Lifestyle Service, home-based reablement recommissioning, the Director of Public Health's annual report, and the future of mental health and wellbeing services. Members also discussed the health impacts of solar industry developments and bladder scanner use restrictions in nursing homes. The committee agreed to add an extra meeting in March to manage its workload. The committee noted the report and approved the existing work programme.

During the meeting, members also took the opportunity to thank Simon Evans, who was retiring, for his sterling work for Lincolnshire County Council.

The meeting concluded with the committee agreeing to note the report and approve the existing work programme.