The Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 11 June 2026. The committee reviewed the year-end performance and resources for the Health, Wellbeing & Adult Social Care portfolio and considered the draft performance and resources agreement for the upcoming year. Updates were also received on the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme and the Local Accounts for Adult Social Care.

Portfolio Performance and Resources Year-End Report 2025/26

The committee considered the Year-End Portfolio Performance and Resource Report (PPRR) for the Health, Wellbeing & Adult Social Care Portfolio for the 2025/26 financial year. The report detailed progress against key projects, priority outcomes, targets, and budgets. Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, provided an introduction highlighting successes such as increased uptake in cancer screening programmes and strong performance in flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes. She also noted the challenges posed by financial and resourcing constraints.

The report indicated an overspend of £5.907m within the portfolio, primarily within Adult Social Care, which was attributed to increased demand for complex younger adult services, supported accommodation, and homecare provision. Despite this, several areas showed strong performance, including the Diabetes Prevention Programme, NHS Health Checks, and referrals to START (Stockport Triage Assessment & Referral Team). However, the number of people completing smoking cessation interventions was below target.

The committee was asked to consider the report, review progress, highlight areas for corrective action, feed significant issues back to the Cabinet, and identify areas of good practice.

Draft Portfolio Performance and Resources Agreement (PPRA) for Health, Wellbeing & Adult Social Care Portfolio 2026/27

The committee reviewed the draft 2026/27 Portfolio Performance and Resources Agreement (PPRA) for the Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care portfolio. This agreement sets out the key responsibilities, activities, projects, and programmes that will support the delivery of priority outcomes for the upcoming year, aligned with the refreshed Council Plan 2026-29 and the One Stockport Borough Plan. The portfolio encompasses Public Health, Health & Wellbeing, Learning Disability Services, Older People's Services, Young Adults Services, and Supporting People. The draft agreement outlines five key priorities: preventing ill health and tackling inequalities; supporting healthier communities and neighbourhoods; maximising prevention and independence; delivering timely Adult Social Care and supporting carers; and providing safe, high-quality integrated health and care services. The committee was asked to review and comment on the draft agreement.

National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) Update

An update was provided on Stockport's participation in the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). The programme aims to accelerate the delivery of neighbourhood-based health models, focusing on prevention, integration, and improved outcomes. Stockport's participation in Wave One has focused on improving outcomes for frail older people, building on the Live Well model and existing partnerships. The report highlighted progress in collaborative behaviours, with significant improvements noted in collective understanding of roles and responsibilities. The maturity framework assessment indicated that Stockport is largely in the developing stage, with key areas for focus including integrated neighbourhood teams, leadership, and shared governance. Progress has been made in population health approaches, proactive and preventative models of care, and new multi-disciplinary ways of working. Opportunities for scaling up successful approaches were identified, including initiatives in falls prevention, dementia support, and physical activity promotion. The next steps include developing a strategic neighbourhood delivery plan, launching a population health dashboard, and implementing further improvements to the GM Care Record.

Local Accounts 2025/26

The committee received the Local Accounts for Adult Social Care for 2025/26, titled The Stockport Story. These accounts are produced to promote transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, sharing with residents the work undertaken, performance, and future ambitions. The report highlighted that Stockport's Adult Social Care services were rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with praise for its person-centred approach, commitment of staff, and effective partnership working. However, the report also acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly regarding people's experience of services, feeling safe, and reducing social isolation. Feedback from the Adult Social Care Users Survey indicated that while many felt they had control over their daily lives and found it easier to access information, a significant proportion reported not having as much social contact as they would like. The report detailed the main themes from complaints and compliments received, and outlined the expenditure of the £124.572m net budget for Adult Social Care.

Scrutiny Review Topic Selection 2026/27

The committee was asked to consider and select a topic for a scrutiny review to be undertaken during the 2026/27 municipal year. The report outlined the scrutiny review process, provided a framework for conducting reviews, and supported members in identifying potential topics. The selection process emphasised the importance of timely and relevant topics aligned with council priorities, considering factors such as public concern, potential for adding value, and feasibility within available resources. Members were invited to nominate themselves to sit on the proposed Scrutiny Review Panel.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed the planned agenda items for future meetings and Forward Plan items within its remit. This included updates on the Stockport Safeguarding Adults Partnership Annual Report, the Adult Social Care CQC Action Plan, and the Principal Social Worker and Principal Occupational Therapist Report. The committee also discussed potential future agenda items, including an update on the CQC Action Plan, waiting times, and issues arising from homelessness, although the latter was noted as being within the remit of the Housing, Economy & Environment Scrutiny Committee. The committee was invited to put forward any additional agenda items for future meetings.