This week in Worcestershire:

Maternity Services Under Scrutiny: Improvements and Challenges in Care

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 27 April 2026, to examine the current state of maternity and newborn services, as well as the cancer pathway in Worcestershire. The discussions highlighted significant improvements in maternity care, alongside ongoing challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Maternity and Newborn Services: Progress and Home Births

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust's maternity services have seen considerable progress, achieving a Good rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in October 2023. This marks a significant turnaround from previous years, and the Trust has now exited the NHS England Maternity Support Programme.

A key point of discussion was the review of home birth services. Following national concerns about home birth safety, the Trust has opted to deliver its home birth pathway through five smaller Continuity of Carer Teams. This approach aims to ensure a more sustainable service by allowing a focused group of midwives to maintain skills and receive specialised training.

Public health initiatives are also making a difference. Smoking rates among pregnant women have fallen to 4% at the time of birth, and a pilot service for pregnant women with a raised Body Mass Index (BMI), Blooming Healthy, is set to expand with the introduction of lifestyle coaches. Efforts are also underway to improve uptake rates for essential vaccinations.

However, questions were raised about the consistency of care and the impact of the closure of the Redditch Maternity Unit in 2016. Residents in the north of Worcestershire expressed concerns about the increased travel times to Worcester for maternity services, particularly with planned housing growth in the area. The committee acknowledged these challenges, with representatives from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) noting that meeting the needs of a growing and ageing population requires careful resource allocation and strategic planning.

• The Progress: Maternity services rated Good by the CQC, with improvements in triage waiting times and postnatal care.
• The Challenge: Ensuring equitable access to services for all residents, particularly those in the north of the county, and addressing concerns about home birth safety.
• The Impact: Direct effect on the health and well-being of mothers and newborns, with a focus on safe and accessible care.

Read the full meeting details of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Cancer Pathway: Early Diagnosis and Improved Survival Rates

The committee also received an update on the cancer pathway, with a strong emphasis on early diagnosis and improving survival rates. The national target is to diagnose 75% of cancers at stages I and II by 2028, a goal Worcestershire is working towards, currently standing at around 55%.

Initiatives like the FIT@80 programme for bowel cancer screening have significantly increased the diagnosis rate of early-stage colorectal cancer to 69%. Plans are also in motion for patient engagement events to raise awareness of lung cancer symptoms in Worcester City and Redditch, areas identified with slightly higher rates of late-stage lung cancer. A pilot for early pancreatic cancer case finding is underway, and a non-specific symptoms pathway will be introduced to expedite diagnosis for patients with vague symptoms.

Despite improvements, challenges remain in specialties such as dermatology, urology, and breast services, largely due to increased demand and workforce constraints. The Trust is working to expand diagnostic capacity and strengthen partnerships with specialist centres.

The Living with and Beyond Cancer programme continues to be a priority, offering personalised support and resources, including a Cancer Services App. The committee committed to promoting this app to residents.

• The Goal: Increase the diagnosis of cancer at its earliest stages to improve survival rates.
• The Strategy: Enhanced screening programmes, targeted awareness campaigns, and improved diagnostic pathways.
• The Concern: Workforce shortages and increasing demand are impacting specific cancer specialties.

Read the full meeting details of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Other Matters

The committee reviewed its work programme for 2025/26, with future topics including urgent patient flow, neighbourhood health, and its impact on long-term conditions. The committee also agreed to add a specific focus on support for children and young people whose loved ones are undergoing cancer treatment.

This week in Worcestershire:

Malvern Hills National Landscape: Access for All and Planning Concerns Take Centre Stage

The Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee met on Friday, 24 April 2026, to discuss crucial issues affecting access to this cherished natural area and to address significant planning matters that could impact its unique setting.

Improving Access for Everyone

A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing effort to make the Malvern Hills National Landscape more accessible to all members of the community. A report highlighted that a 2019 review identified groups who felt excluded from protected landscapes, a sentiment echoed in national plans to remove barriers to nature. Over the past four years, the Malvern Hills National Landscape has received over £210,000 in dedicated funding for access improvements. This has funded initiatives like the purchase of a disabled buggy, footpath enhancements, and the replacement of stiles with self-closing gates.

While much of this funding has focused on assisting those with disabilities, the report also acknowledged challenges faced by some ethnic communities in accessing green spaces. Concerns raised included the provision of toilets and public transport, as well as anxieties about dogs off leads. The report noted that recent attempts to address these issues had unfortunately led to negative press coverage, with some articles inaccurately suggesting a drive to make the countryside less white. The committee was encouraged to discuss these issues, including the impact of misinformation, and to share ideas for how future access funds could be best utilised.

Planning Challenges Threaten Landscape's Integrity

The committee also received an update on local planning matters, with particular concern raised about the proposed Glynchbrook Garden Village development. This development, planned for approximately 3,500 houses adjacent to the National Landscape's southern boundary, was deemed by the Malvern Hills National Landscape Team to lack proportionate and robust strategic justification. The team concluded that the proposal was inconsistent with national policy for protected landscapes and posed a risk to its soundness.

Key concerns include the sheer scale and location of the proposed growth, its potential impact on the landscape and its setting, and the increased recreational pressure it would place on the Malvern Hills SSSI[^1]. Similar pressures are anticipated from ongoing local plan reviews in Herefordshire and South Worcestershire, which could lead to further development on the fringes of the National Landscape. The committee was informed that the current planning landscape is marked by uncertainty due to national reforms, but a clear direction towards increased housing is evident. The Malvern Hills National Landscape Team is actively working with planning officers to ensure the National Landscape and its setting are properly considered in these developments.

Budget and Work Programme for 2026/27

The committee also reviewed the proposed budget and work programme for the upcoming year. The core budget is expected to remain at £217,620, with a significant portion coming from Defra and match funding from local authorities. The work programme will focus on implementing the National Landscape Management Plan, with priorities including work towards 30by30 targets[^2], climate change adaptation, and continued access improvements. Additional funding is anticipated for programmes such as Farming in Protected Landscapes and capital grants for conservation work.

Read the full meeting details of the Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee.

Councillor Conduct and Social Media: New Guidance on the Horizon

The Standards and Ethics Committee met on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, to discuss new guidance for councillors on the appropriate use of social media and to address the process for appointing new independent members to the committee.

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Social Media for Councillors

The committee considered draft guidance aimed at ensuring councillors conduct themselves appropriately online. The proposed rules acknowledge that the Members' Code of Conduct applies to all forms of communication, including social media. The guidance stresses that unwise online comments can damage the reputation of both the councillor and the council, and could even lead to legal action.

Key advice includes being responsible and respectful, sharing content with proper attribution, engaging openly, and utilising privacy settings. Councillors are urged to avoid posting in haste, especially when upset, and to refrain from comments that could embarrass the council or themselves. The guidance explicitly warns against attacking, insulting, or making discriminatory comments about council staff, service users, or other individuals. It also reminds councillors not to publish confidential information and to clearly distinguish personal views from those of the council.

The report noted an increase in Code of Conduct complaints related to social media use by councillors. The guidance also highlights legal considerations such as libel, copyright, and data protection. Councillors are reminded that they are personally responsible for their online content, and even personal posts can reflect negatively on the council. The draft guidance suggests separating personal and councillor accounts and using a disclaimer such as Views expressed are solely my own. The Assistant Director for Legal and Governance is to be granted delegated authority to finalise this guidance.

Strengthening the Committee: Appointing Independent Members

The committee also discussed the process for appointing two additional non-voting independent members. Currently, only one independent member serves on the committee, falling short of the three required by the council's constitution. These independent members are crucial for providing an objective perspective and are not elected councillors or council officers.

A proposed job description for an Independent Member outlines requirements such as residing or working in Worcestershire, possessing fairness, objectivity, and sound judgement. They must not be affiliated with any political party or hold a position within any council. The role is unpaid, with travel expenses claimable, and typically involves meeting between one and four times a year. Independent members play a vital role in determining whether councillors have breached the Code of Conduct.

Read the full meeting details of the Standards and Ethics Committee.

Other Matters

• The Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee met on Friday, 24 April 2026. The meeting discussed improving access to the National Landscape, reviewed local planning matters, and considered the budget and work programme for the upcoming year. A report on improving access for all highlighted efforts to make the landscape more welcoming, while also addressing concerns about misinformation regarding inclusivity. Planning matters included significant concerns about the proposed Glynchbrook Garden Village development and its potential impact on the National Landscape. Read the full meeting details.

This week in Worcestershire:

Residential Care for Adults with Learning Disabilities: Council Recommends Funding for Green Hill Lodge Refurbishment

Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to discuss the future of residential replacement care for adults with learning disabilities. The key recommendation from this meeting is to approve additional funding for the refurbishment of Green Hill Lodge in Worcester, with the aim of consolidating three existing services into one modern facility.

The proposal involves using up to £831,000 of existing Capital grant for Community Capacity/Specialised Housing and £250,000 from the Capital Maintenance budget to fund the refurbishment of Green Hill Lodge. This will enable the relocation of services currently provided at Worth Crescent, Pershore Short Breaks, and Worcester Resource Centre. The move is intended to create improved facilities and streamline operations, offering a better environment for adults with learning disabilities.

The total estimated cost for the refurbishment is £1,575,000. The project is being phased to allow for the earliest possible commencement of works. Phase 1, the refurbishment of the West Wing, will support the relocation of the service from Worth Crescent. Phase 2, the East Wing, will accommodate services from Pershore Short Breaks and Worcester Resource Centre.

Consultation with service users, their families, and staff has been undertaken, with SpeakEasy N.O.W. supporting the process. Feedback focused on managing change sensitively, concerns about staff retention, and transport arrangements. The council has a duty under the Care Act 2014 to assess needs and consult with service users, both of which have been carried out. The move is expected to enhance service provision, increase resources, and improve the overall experience for individuals using these services.

• The Decision: Recommend to Council the approval of additional funding for Green Hill Lodge refurbishment.
• The Impact: Improved facilities and consolidated services for adults with learning disabilities, potentially enhancing their quality of life and independence.
• The Stakeholders: Adults with learning disabilities, their families, council staff, and service providers.
• The Funding: Utilising existing Capital grant and Capital Maintenance budgets.

Read the full meeting details of the Cabinet meeting.

Council Explores Artificial Intelligence and Reviews Performance Amidst Budget Monitoring

The Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday, 23 March 2026, to delve into the council's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), review performance and budget monitoring for the 2025/26 financial year, and consider the refresh of its scrutiny work programme for the upcoming year.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy

The panel received an update on Worcestershire County Council's current and future strategy for AI. The council views AI as technology that enables computers to perform tasks requiring human intelligence. Discussions covered the council's AI Strategy 2025–2028, its Implementation Plan, and the role of the AI Governance Board in policy development and risk mitigation. The panel also heard about AI training for staff and explored existing and planned uses of AI, including the expansion of Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI solutions in frontline services. An AI audit highlighted strengths in the council's approach, while also acknowledging ethical concerns, bias, and privacy issues. The panel was asked to consider this information and provide feedback.

Performance and Budget Monitoring

The panel reviewed performance and financial information for Corporate Services and Communities for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This included a dashboard of performance indicators and financial reports detailing the forecast financial position, variances from the budget, and the use of reserves. The detailed performance data covered areas such as Registration and Coroner's services, Communications, Human Resources, and various community services including libraries and museums. This monitoring is crucial for ensuring services are delivered effectively and within budget, with any overspends or underperformance flagged for further investigation.

Refreshing the Scrutiny Work Programme

Suggestions for the 2026/27 Scrutiny Work Programme were considered. The panel discussed how to prioritise topics based on criteria such as council priorities, public importance, and potential for improvement. The remit of the Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel covers commissioning, contracts, finance, communities, and employees, and the work programme will shape the panel's focus for the next year.

• The Focus: Understanding and guiding the council's use of AI, ensuring effective service delivery, and planning future scrutiny activities.
• The Impact: Decisions on AI can affect efficiency and service delivery, while performance monitoring ensures accountability and responsible use of public funds. The work programme shapes future council oversight.
• The Stakeholders: Council officers, elected members, and ultimately, the residents of Worcestershire who benefit from efficient and effective services.

Read the full meeting details of the Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Royal Mail Performance and Council Work Programme on the Agenda

The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the performance of Royal Mail, the council's work programme, and updates from various scrutiny panels.

Royal Mail Performance Concerns

Representatives from Royal Mail attended to address concerns about postal service performance in Worcestershire. While acknowledging that service quality has sometimes been impacted by operational challenges, they reported that the Worcestershire area is currently tracking above the national average for performance. Discussions focused on the company's efforts to recruit staff, mitigate attrition, and the proposed Universal Service Obligation (USO) reform, which Royal Mail believes is crucial for ensuring a sustainable and reliable service. Councillors raised concerns about delays in mail delivery, the prioritization of parcels, and transparency regarding service issues. Royal Mail assured the board of their commitment to improving service standards and is working with unions to implement necessary changes.

Scrutiny Panel Updates and Work Programme

Chairs of various scrutiny panels provided updates on their activities. The Adult Care and Well-Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed making safeguarding more accessible and improving communication with residents. The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel reviewed the Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Deficit Management Plan. The Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel highlighted discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and significant concerns about the council's member portal. The Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel reported on the Worcestershire Growth Hub and the Worcester Six Business Park. The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed biodiversity duty, waste disposal, and speed limit policy. The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented findings on access to GP appointments and NHS primary care dental services.

The Board also reviewed its work programme and the Cabinet Forward Plan, considering the possibility of an additional meeting to address urgent issues like fuel poverty and the transformation plan.

• The Focus: Holding service providers accountable, reviewing council performance, and shaping future scrutiny efforts.
• The Impact: Discussions on Royal Mail performance can lead to improved postal services for residents. Scrutiny panel updates ensure that key council services are being effectively monitored and challenged.
• The Stakeholders: Residents of Worcestershire, Royal Mail, council members, and officers.

Read the full meeting details of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board.

Other Matters

• The Appointments Etc Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday, 30 March 2026. The agenda includes the election of a chairman and vice-chairman, confirmation of previous minutes, and a report concerning a Chief Officer honorarium payment. Details of this payment are restricted from public view. Read the full meeting details.

This week in Worcestershire:

• The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss the significant deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant and review performance and budget monitoring for children's services.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss public health support for the NHS, neighbourhood health initiatives, and the Better Care Fund.
• The Pensions Committee was scheduled to review the Worcestershire Pension Fund's Risk Register, business plan, and investment strategy.

Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Friday 20 March 2026

The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel convened on Friday, 20 March 2026, to address critical issues within children's services. A primary concern was the substantial deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), projected to reach £194.1 million by March 2026. This deficit is largely concentrated in the High Needs Block, which funds provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The panel reviewed the council's deficit management plan, which includes structural transformations within the SEND service, enhanced commissioning, and workforce training. The government's High Needs Stability Grant, which will cover 90% of historic DSG deficits up to 2025/26, is contingent on the approval of a SEND local reform plan, which Worcestershire is developing. Without intervention, the cumulative DSG deficit could reach £437 million by the end of the 2027/28 financial year.

The panel also examined performance data and in-year budget monitoring for children's services. While overall school attendance rates showed improvement, attendance for Children Looked After and those on child protection plans remained lower. Worcestershire has seen a positive trend in reducing permanent school exclusions, deviating from the national increase, though there was a spike at the end of Q3 2025/26. The number of looked after children peaked at 1,066 in November 2025, with a continued rise in children living in children's homes. Neglect was identified as the primary reason for an increase in children made subject to child protection plans. The financial position for Children's Services showed a net overspend of £10.1 million, primarily due to increased costs for placements and staffing.

The panel also considered suggestions for its 2026/27 Work Programme, inviting members to propose topics for future scrutiny.

Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, to discuss key initiatives aimed at improving public health and integrating health and social care services. A significant outcome was the agreement to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between Public Health and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to formalise support for strategic commissioning and neighbourhood health initiatives.

The Board received an update on Neighbourhood Health in Worcestershire, a national initiative that places communities at the centre of prevention and care. This programme is being developed in line with the 10 Year Health Plan for England: Fit for the Future, with an Interim Strategic Neighbourhood Health Plan being developed. The Public Health team is supporting this by providing neighbourhood profiles and referral resources.

An update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) for Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 of 2025/26 was also presented. Worcestershire continues to meet the four national BCF conditions, which are crucial for driving health and social care integration. While progress is on track for emergency admissions and hospital discharge timeliness, admissions to long-term residential and nursing care for older people remain off track. The Board signed off the BCF Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 Reporting Templates and noted the budget monitoring position. The BCF for 2026/27 will align with the 10-Year Health Plan's focus on integrated, neighbourhood-level delivery.

Pensions Committee - Wednesday 18 March 2026

The Pensions Committee of Worcestershire Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. The meeting's status is PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION, meaning that details of what was discussed or decided are not yet available. However, the agenda indicated that the committee was due to review the Worcestershire Pension Fund's Risk Register, which details potential risks and their mitigation strategies. Updates on the Fund's business plan, governance, compliance, and training activities were also scheduled. Discussions were planned regarding the Investment Strategy Statement and the Climate Change Risk Strategy, alongside a review of the Fund's performance and budget forecasts.

The Risk Register typically outlines potential threats to the fund's financial stability and operational efficiency, with mitigating actions to address them. The Business Plan would have detailed the fund's strategic objectives and operational activities for the coming years. The Investment Strategy Statement and Climate Change Risk Strategy are crucial documents that guide the fund's investment decisions and its approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning and Regulatory Committee - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Planning and Regulatory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 17 March 2026, was CANCELLED.