The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 16 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan for the 2025-26 year, an update on the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan, and a discussion on the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme. The committee will also consider contract award reports for Sensory Enablement Services and the final outturn report for the 2025/26 financial year.

Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan 2025-26 - End of Year Update

The committee is set to receive an update on the progress of the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan for the latter half of the 2025-26 financial year. This plan aligns with the Council's Transformation Programme, 'Making Bromley Even Better', and the Adult Social Care Strategy. The report indicates that progress has been made on all actions within the Portfolio Plan, focusing on two key ambitions: enabling adults and older people to lead fulfilled lives, and managing resources effectively to provide value for money.

Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026

An update on the delivery of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan for 2022-2026 is scheduled for discussion. This strategy, approved in November 2021, aims to mitigate loneliness through three priorities: organisation and services, community infrastructure for social connections, and building a culture that encourages strong social relationships. The report highlights progress in areas such as the Tackling Loneliness Workshop, which has been attended by 861 people, and the Bromley Well befriending services, where 100% of clients reported feeling more confident and less isolated. The Innovation Fund has supported 12 live projects across Bromley aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness.

Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme Update

The committee will receive an update on the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme, which aims to create a more sustainable and efficient operating model. The programme is reported to have delivered £2.222 million in savings in 2025/26, exceeding its target by £455,000. Key achievements include improvements in front-door services, with 74% of residents having their situations resolved at first contact or after short-term intervention, leading to a 23% reduction in long-term care needs. The programme also focuses on extending choice and control through technology, strengthening community prevention, and improving enabling functions for staff.

ACH Risk Register Q4 Report

A review of the Adult Care and Health Services Risk Register for the fourth quarter of 2025/26 is on the agenda. This report details the high-level departmental risks that could impact the Council's ability to deliver its priorities and objectives. The register includes risks such as Failure to deliver Financial Strategy, Failure to deliver effective Adult Social Care services, and CQC Assurance. The report indicates that mitigating actions have led to a reduction in the overall risk rating for several identified risks.

Contract Award Report: Sensory Enablement Services (Part 1)

The committee will undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a report recommending the award of a contract for Sensory Enablement Services. This service supports residents with hearing and vision impairments. The current contracts with two providers are due to end on 30 September 2026, and a procurement exercise for a joint sensory service has been completed. The report highlights the legal requirement under the Care Act 2014 to support residents with sensory impairments and notes that combining the services offers better value for money and a more streamlined approach for residents with dual sensory loss. The evaluation process involved resident participation, and the results of the tendering process are detailed in an accompanying Part 2 report.

ACH Outturn Report 2025/26

The committee is asked to note the projected net overspend of £6,146,000 on controllable expenditure for the Adult Care and Health Portfolio as at the end of the 2025/26 financial year. The report details variations across key service areas, with a significant overspend in Assessment and Care Management attributed to higher placement numbers and increased demand for one-to-one support. Underspends are noted in Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, and the Integrated Commissioning Service. The report also projects cost pressures for 2026/27 and outlines carry-forward requests for the portfolio.

Gateway Report: 0-19 Children's Public Health Service

The committee will conduct pre-decision scrutiny of a Gateway Report concerning the re-procurement of 0-19 Public Health nursing services, which include health visiting and school nursing. The current contract, delivered by Bromley Healthcare, is due to expire on 30 September 2027. The report proposes a new five-year contract commencing 1st October 2027, with an estimated annual value of £5.080 million. This service is mandated under the NHS Act 2006 and the Health and Social Care Act 2012, and the proposed re-procurement aims to align the service with updated national guidance and local needs.

Gateway 1: Permission to Proceed to Procurement for Supported Living

This item concerns the proposed procurement for Supported Living services at 109 and 111 Masons Hill, and 18 and 19 Century Way, which currently support 17 adults with a learning disability. The current provider, Achieve Together, has indicated they do not wish to extend their contract, which expires on 26 January 2027. The recommendation is to proceed with tendering for a new care provider for an initial five-year contract with a three-year extension option, at an estimated annual cost of £1.2 million. The report emphasises the importance of supported living in promoting independence and choice for residents.

Mental Health Community Services Partnership Agreement Extension

The committee is asked to provide pre-decision scrutiny on a recommendation to extend the partnership agreement with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust for Adult Mental Health Social Work Services. This extension, for a further two years until November 2028, is estimated to cost £3.8 million. The partnership, established under Section 31 of the Mental Health Act 1999, aims to provide a seamless and integrated service for residents. While progress has been made in implementing recommendations from a previous review, further work is needed to ensure full compliance with the Care Act 2014 and safeguarding standards.

Contracts Register (Part 1)

The committee will review an extract from the Contracts Register as of May 2026, detailing contracts with a whole life value of £50,000 or higher within the Adult Care and Health Portfolio. This register is a key tool for understanding the Council's procurement activity and ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023. The report provides a summary of active contracts, risk indices, and procurement status, with a Part 2 report containing more detailed commentary on specific contracts.

Standard Items

The meeting will also address standard procedural items, including apologies for absence, the appointment of co-opted members for 2026-27, declarations of interest, and questions from councillors and the public. The minutes from previous Adult Care and Health PDS Committee meetings held on 31 March 2026 and 18 May 2026 will also be presented for confirmation.