The Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Policy and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss its work programme for the upcoming municipal year, as well as consider key reports on homecare mobilisation, provisions for learning disabled residents, and respite care. The committee was also set to review the agenda for the meeting.

Work Programme for 2026-2027

The committee was scheduled to discuss and shape its work programme for the 2026-2027 municipal year. This included considering the council's current policy development areas, strategic reviews of implemented policies, and areas where scrutiny could have the most impact. The committee was also to consider the establishment of Task Groups or Single Member Studies for more in-depth examination of key issues. The agenda noted that this was the last scheduled meeting for the 2025-2026 year.

Homecare Mobilisation

A significant item on the agenda was the consideration of the place-based homecare model and the transformation programme for council homecare commissioned services. This report was to update members on the Homecare Transformation Programme, focusing on the place-based homecare model, framework services, provider selection, performance monitoring, quality assurance, and the mobilisation timeline. It was also to address communications with residents during the transition of care packages, managing provider failure, and contingency plans, as well as best practice standards and the Ethical Care Charter. The report indicated that the Bi-borough Homecare Framework contracts had been awarded in August 2025, and this meeting was a post-decision review. The existing patch-based homecare model, designed to keep care local, had faced challenges with recruitment and retention, leading to a reliance on spot providers. The new place-based model aims for a neighbourhood-based approach with improved integration with community services and enhanced support for carers. The borough has been divided into six neighbourhoods, each with a dedicated neighbourhood provider.

Provisions for Learning Disabled Residents and Respite Care

The committee was scheduled to review the Bi-Borough Learning Disability Plan (2023-2026), titled Changing Lives, and consider future plans for 2027. The report provided an update on the implementation of Changing Lives from 2024, detailing activities delivered with and for people with learning disabilities, as well as background information on existing services. The plan is underpinned by principles of co-production and seven key pillars: good support for family and carers, housing, health, information and advice, planning together, preparing for adulthood, and living independently in the community. The report highlighted successes such as a high percentage of adults with learning disabilities living independently and an increase in employment rates. It also outlined areas for focus, including improving housing pathways, enhancing the accessibility and quality of annual health checks, and strengthening the transition to adult services for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The committee was asked to consider how the council can continue to involve people with lived experience, carers, and resident groups in the implementation of Changing Lives and other strategic work.

Other Agenda Items

The agenda also included standard items such as noting any changes to membership, receiving declarations of interest, and approving the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 December 2025.