The Adults and Health Select Committee met on Thursday, 11 June 2026, to discuss performance assurance, the use of prisons as places of safety, and mental health services. Key decisions included recommendations for improved publicity around sexual health screening, a briefing tour of care facilities, and a commitment to monitor the implementation of the Mental Health Act 2025.

Public Health and Library Facilities

Dr. Knapp raised a concern about the lack of air conditioning or cooling functions in libraries, highlighting the discomfort experienced during heatwaves and the potential public health implications. Councillor Newton acknowledged the costliness of installing such systems across all 52 libraries but assured that the matter would be taken up with the property teams for future consideration. Claire Edgar, Executive Director for Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships, reiterated that the council adheres to principles of ensuring buildings are within acceptable temperature ranges and that any concerns would be shared with the corporate centre.

Performance Assurance Monitoring

Claire Edgar presented the Q3 and Q4 performance assurance report for the Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships (AWHP) directorate. Two areas were highlighted as red : the percentage of people assessed or reviewed within the last 12 months and the chlamydia detection rate among young women. Councillor Abby King questioned the chlamydia detection rate, asking about barriers to control activity in young women and why concerns were not raised for men. It was noted that this is a national indicator, and Surrey performs relatively well compared to other South East authorities, though no region is currently meeting the target. Councillor Tony Pearce raised concerns about the proportion of people assessed or reviewed within the last 12 months, which remained below the 80% target. Councillor Sinead Mooney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, expressed confidence that the target would be met by the end of the financial year, citing plans already in place following a recent restructure.

An amber indicator was noted for residential and nursing care placements, with delivery described as inconsistent. Councillor Carla Morson inquired about the challenges in sourcing timely placements, including shortages of beds and internal delays. Councillor Mooney acknowledged these challenges, including the complexity of needs and the difficulty in finding suitable providers. She also addressed concerns about the slow progress of building new residential beds and the extra care facility in Camberley, confirming that outline planning permission had been granted for the Camberley site. Safeguarding performance was also discussed, with assurances given that improvement plans were in place and showing positive results. Councillor Rebecca James-Evans questioned the sustainability of performance improvements in nursing and enhanced care, given market pressures. Claire Edgar detailed the council's statutory duty to ensure market sustainability and the strong engagement with providers through a dedicated market group.

Health-Based Places of Safety and Mental Health in Surrey Prisons

The committee scrutinised the support available to prisoners with mental health needs, prompted by a Prevention of Future Deaths Report from the Coroner and concerns about the use of prisons as places of safety. Andy Erskine, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP), explained that the Coroner's concerns primarily related to a national shortage of secure psychiatric beds, leading to the use of prisons as a place of safety. He noted that the Mental Health Act 2025 signals an intent to end this practice, though implementation details are still emerging.

Manveen Brah and Emma Hicks, from SABP's Liaison and Diversion service, presented their work in identifying and assessing individuals with vulnerabilities within police custody suites and courts. They highlighted their role in reducing repeat arrests, improving health outcomes, and diverting individuals from the criminal justice system where appropriate. The ReConnect service was also detailed, providing care after custody to ensure continuity of care for individuals with identified health needs.

Councillor Carla Mawson expressed concern that Surrey prisons were still being used as de facto places of safety. Andy Erskine stated that SABP does not believe prisons are being used as places of safety for Surrey residents, attributing this to the effectiveness of their liaison and diversion services and court presence. Councillor Tony Pearce asked about the monitoring of transfers to hospital and the percentage of individuals placed in prisons as a place of safety who were resident outside of Surrey. It was noted that while national data on this is limited, Bronzefield prison was the only Surrey establishment whose Independent Monitoring Board report mentioned the use of a place of safety.

Councillor Victoria Wheeler raised questions about police training in recognising and responding to distress versus non-compliance, and the confidence of staff in managing complex needs. Emma Hicks explained that SABP works with police on induction and provides CPD training, but the responsibility for police officer training lies with the police themselves. Regarding the management of risks for individuals awaiting diagnosis, it was clarified that most are considered vulnerable rather than risky, and the Mental Health Act provides lawful ways to detain individuals for assessment if there is a need to safeguard themselves or others.

Recommendations were made to request a joint presentation from adult social care, police, and SABP on supporting vulnerable offenders, to receive reporting on the implementation of the Mental Health Act 2025, and for SABP and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) to develop a plan for transitioning to health-based places of safety. The committee also recommended that despite the lack of national statistics, Surrey should produce its own data on the use of prisons as a place of safety.

Recommendations Tracker and Forward Work Programme

The committee reviewed the recommendations tracker and forward work programme. Several recommendations were made regarding the Mental Health Act 2025 implementation, the development of a plan for health-based places of safety, and the collection of statistics on the use of prisons as places of safety. A joint presentation on supporting vulnerable offenders was also recommended. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday, 1 October 2026.