The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss the progress of the Supported Living Programme, the Hertfordshire Carer Strategy, and the Adult Care Services performance report. Key decisions included noting the progress and challenges of the Supported Living Programme, approving the updated Carer Strategy Action Plan, and noting the Q4 performance report for Adult Care Services.

Response to Motion: Adult Disability Service Accommodation Strategy

The panel received an update on the Supported Living Programme, which aims to deliver 820 supported living homes by 2030. Councillor Tony Kingsbury, who proposed the motion, highlighted the importance of scrutiny and transparency in the programme's progress. Tom Hennessy, Operations Director for Older People and Health Integration, presented the officer report, noting that in the first year, 44 homes had been delivered, with 104 in progress and 83 in the pipeline. Challenges were identified, particularly with delivery through capital grant routes, attributed to wider market conditions and sector-wide constraints. To address this, the council is exploring strategic partnerships with registered providers and increasing the use of Section 106 agreements.

Simo Aggarwal, the report's author, detailed the market challenges, including increased costs and regulatory responsibilities for providers, leading to a more risk-averse approach. The council is working to mitigate these by strengthening partnerships with districts and boroughs and exploring alternative delivery models. Demand analysis has also revealed a shift, with a need for less intensive support and a change in the mix of cohorts, requiring a more flexible approach.

Councillor Rachel Carter raised concerns about the use of private equity in funding new buildings, to which officers responded that they work with regulated providers who must meet financial viability standards. Councillor Nigel Bell acknowledged the progress but emphasised the need for continued coordination with local authorities. Councillor Calvin Horner, a former supported living worker, expressed pleasure at the progress and the review of programme assumptions.

The discussion also touched upon the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and its potential implications for the programme. Tom Hennessy, co-chair of the Housing and Homelessness Workstream for LGR, highlighted the opportunity for integrated approaches and positive conversations with district councils. Councillor Chris Lloyd stressed the importance of communicating the breadth of county council work to district colleagues.

The panel noted the contents of the report, acknowledging the challenges and the ongoing work to adapt the programme.

Hertfordshire Carer Strategy - Action Plan Update

Tim Knapper, Senior Development Manager, presented an update on the Hertfordshire Carer Strategy Action Plan. He explained that the strategy, developed through co-production with carers, focuses on five key outcomes: being informed, having a life beyond caring, maintaining health and wellbeing, receiving joined-up services, and being safe. The action plan details specific deliverables for each objective, with ongoing work and new initiatives being implemented.

Key actions include a communications campaign to raise awareness of available support, carer celebration events, targeted outreach to underrepresented carer groups, and a review of the information and advice offer. The No Wrong Door commitment for young carers is being embedded, and work is underway to improve transitions between services. For health and wellbeing, actions focus on promoting vaccinations, cost-of-living support, and benefit entitlements. The strategy also aims to improve GP identification of carers and embed carer involvement in health and social care commissioning.

Councillor Tony Kingsbury raised a point about ensuring timely support from GP practices, particularly regarding updating records after a carer's death. Tim Knapper assured him that this specific point would be investigated further with colleagues in the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Councillor Nigel Bell welcomed the coordination with Children's Services for young carers and the focus on user-friendly pathways and diverse communities. Councillor Calvin Horner praised the co-production efforts and the inclusion of items raised through previous motions.

Councillor Rachel Carter asked about carer champions in hospitals and the challenges they face, as well as the implications of mobile phone bans for young carers needing to check on those they care for. Tim Knapper confirmed the existence of carer leads in hospital trusts and outlined efforts to influence staff awareness. He also committed to discussing the young carer mobile phone issue with Children's Services colleagues.

Councillor Paul Seeby inquired about the definition of a carer, the integration of neighbourhood care, and support for increasing pension credit uptake. Tim Knapper explained the broad definition of a carer used by the council and the ongoing work with the NHS on neighbourhood care. He also committed to looking into the pension credit uptake issue.

The panel noted and commented on the updated action plan, acknowledging the thorough work undertaken.

ACS Performance Report - Quarter 4 2025-26

Alex Ogle, ACS Performance & Improvement Manager, presented the Adult Care Services performance report for Quarter 4 2025-26. He highlighted high levels of activity and sustained demand across the service, with over 80,000 requests for support managed in the last 12 months. Despite pressures, performance remained resilient, with strong outcomes in areas such as reablement, prevention, safeguarding, and supporting independence.

Key performance indicators showed improvements in reablement success rates and a reduction in residential admissions for both younger and older adults. Adults with learning disabilities and older people living independently also saw improvements. Safeguarding outcomes were strong, with 95.6% of adults having their risk reduced or removed.

However, areas of focus included a decline in Direct Payment uptake for adults and a stable but below-target performance in annual review completion rates (67.2%). National survey results indicated a mixed picture, with improvements in carer satisfaction and involvement, but declines in adult overall satisfaction, perceived control over daily life, and social contact.

Councillor Nigel Bell questioned the figures for carer satisfaction and the declining trend in direct payments, noting the irony of increased uptake among certain ethnic groups. Alex Ogle explained the survey response rates and commented that the higher uptake of direct payments in some communities might be linked to a desire for culturally sensitive care.

Councillor Leslie Greensmyth asked about data on self-funding individuals, to which Alex Ogle responded that the council does not have a statutory obligation to collect this data, though some self-funders do eventually come into the service.

Councillor Adrian England commended the emphasis on prevention within the service, linking it to resource efficiency and the sustainability agenda. Councillor Paul Seeby raised questions about the red or orange ratings for requests for services and hospital discharges, and the reasons behind the orange rating for feeling safe. Alex Ogle explained that the feeling safe indicator was broader than just adult social care and included general community safety. He also clarified that hospital discharge metrics are strong, with Hertfordshire performing well nationally.

Councillor Chris Lloyd raised concerns about staff well-being amidst increasing workloads and asked about incorporating sustainability measures into future reports. Tom Hennessy, Executive Member for Adult Care Services, acknowledged the pressure on staff and outlined measures being taken to support them, including open engagement sessions and promoting work-life balance. He also agreed to discuss sustainability measures with Adrian England.

Councillor Rachel Carter asked about preparing people for frailty in old age and the provision of cool spaces during heatwaves. Tim Napper confirmed that cool spaces are available and a list is being circulated. Tom Hennessy elaborated on the council's response to heatwaves and the importance of preparing for frailty, noting that while the council is good at responding to frailty, proactive preparation is an area needing development.

The panel noted the Q4 performance report, acknowledging both strong performance and areas requiring further improvement.

The meeting concluded with the date of the next meeting set for Thursday, 10 September 2026.