The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel met on Thursday, 2 July 2026. The panel received an update on the Supported Living programme, reviewed the Hertfordshire Carers Strategy Action Plan, and examined the Adult Care Services performance report for Quarter 4 of the 2025-26 financial year.

Supported Living Programme Progress and Challenges

The panel received an update on the Supported Living programme, which aims to deliver 820 supported living homes by 2030. While the programme has made a strong start, with 231 homes identified in its first year, delivery through the Capital Grant route has been slower than anticipated due to market conditions and a more cautious approach from Registered Providers. In response, the council is exploring alternative delivery routes, including Section 106 agreements and partnerships with stock-holding authorities. The programme's original demand assumptions are also under review, with updated analysis indicating a potentially lower overall need than initially projected, alongside a shift towards lower-intensity support. This has led to a revision of the 820-home target, with a new position to be confirmed in September 2026. The council is also working to ensure that the programme aligns with sustainability goals, with a mostly positive impact identified in the SEEDS assessment, particularly concerning biodiversity, energy efficiency, and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Hertfordshire Carers Strategy Action Plan Update

An update was provided on the Hertfordshire Carers Strategy Action Plan, which aims to support unpaid carers across the county. The updated plan, developed through extensive co-production with carers and partners, focuses on five key outcomes: being informed, having a life beyond caring, maintaining health and wellbeing, receiving consistent, joined-up services, and being safe. The panel was asked to note and comment on the updated Action Plan, which details specific actions, lead organisations, and timelines for delivery. The strategy and its action plan are designed to be inclusive, with a commitment to considering carers and care experience as protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Adult Care Services Performance Report Quarter 4 2025-26

The panel reviewed the Adult Care Services performance report for Quarter 4 of the 2025-26 financial year. The report highlighted high levels of activity and sustained demand across the service, with over 80,000 requests for support managed in the last 12 months. While performance remains resilient overall, with strong outcomes in areas such as reablement, prevention, and safeguarding, there are ongoing pressures related to waiting lists and review performance, with only 67.2% of reviews completed on time. The report also detailed provisional results from national surveys for adults and unpaid carers, showing positive movement in some areas, such as carer satisfaction and involvement in decisions, but also highlighting priorities for improvement in adult satisfaction, perceived control over daily life, and social contact. Corporate Plan delivery is broadly on track, particularly in prevention and carers support, though infrastructure and accommodation programmes are subject to market capacity and workforce availability. The report also touched upon the importance of sustainability, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting healthier lifestyles through improved housing and community initiatives.

Key Discussions and Concerns Raised

During the meeting, councillors raised several points of discussion and concern. Councillor Rachel Carter inquired about the use of private equity in the supported living programme and the potential for future financial viability changes in Registered Providers. Councillor Nigel Bell sought clarification on the Local Government Reorganisation's impact on the supported living programme and the engagement with district councils. Councillor Calvin Horner expressed appreciation for the progress made in the supported living programme and the review of its underlying assumptions. Councillor Paul Seeby questioned the potential for red or amber ratings on hospital discharge and feeling safe indicators, and asked about the measurement of these indicators. Councillor Lesley Greensmyth raised concerns about the lack of data on self-funding individuals in residential care. Councillor Adrian England commended the council's emphasis on prevention within adult care services. Councillor Chris Lloyd raised concerns about staff well-being amidst increasing workloads and asked about incorporating sustainability measures into future reports. Councillor Rachel Carter also raised questions about preparing for frailty in old age and the provision of cool spaces during heatwaves.

The panel noted the report's findings and recommendations, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to address challenges and improve services within adult care.