The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 05 October 2026 focused on the Care Quality Commission's assessment of Lambeth's Adult Social Care services, the re-accreditation of the borough's sanctuary-seeking services, and the progress of neighbourhood working initiatives. The committee received an update on the Good overall rating achieved by Lambeth's Adult Social Care services, with particular praise for its Outstanding performance in equity and outcomes. Discussions also covered the re-accreditation of Lambeth as a Borough of Sanctuary, highlighting progress in supporting asylum seekers and refugees, and an update on the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) aimed at improving local health and social care delivery.

Care Quality Commission Assessment of Lambeth Adult Social Care

The committee received a positive update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of Lambeth's Adult Social Care services, which was published in May 2026. The service was rated Good overall, achieving a score of 78 out of 100, and was one of only five local authorities nationally to receive an Outstanding judgement for Equity in Experiences and Outcomes. This assessment, the first of its kind for local authorities in over 15 years, recognised Lambeth's strong partnership working, commitment to equity and justice, and effective practice models.

Richard Sparks, Director of Adult Social Care, highlighted the significant achievement, noting that the council was in the top 10% nationally for its overall score. He particularly praised the Outstanding rating for Equity in Experiences and Outcomes, attributing it to the council's ongoing efforts to address inequalities and ensure services are responsive to users. Councillor Jeremy Isaacs, co-Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, congratulated the team, acknowledging the good practice, especially around equality, while also noting the eight areas identified for improvement.

Councillor David Oxley raised questions about performance since the assessment, particularly regarding direct payment uptake, Home Improvement Agency waiting times, and safeguarding concerns. Mr. Sparks responded that while performance is closely monitored, there has been a slight increase in waiting times due to rising demand and complexity of cases. He detailed ongoing work to improve direct payment uptake and reduce waiting times for Home Improvement Agency assessments, including investment in additional staff. Regarding safeguarding, David Jennings, Assistant Director for Quality Assurance in Adult Social Care, explained measures to improve feedback loops to practitioners.

The committee requested further updates on the progress of the direct payments improvement plan, baseline targets, and the CQC action plan. They also asked for more detailed data on performance metrics and a progress update on the embedding of the safeguarding feedback mechanism.

Re-Accreditation of Sanctuary Seeking Service

The committee reviewed the progress made in implementing Lambeth's Borough of Sanctuary Strategy, which was published in March 2026, following the council's successful re-accreditation as a Borough of Sanctuary in December 2025. The strategy and its accompanying action plan, developed with input from individuals with lived experience, aims to improve access to support for those seeking sanctuary and amplify their voices.

Of the 27 actions in the plan, 15 have been completed, 9 are in progress, and 3 are considered at risk. Key achievements include the establishment of new accommodation partnerships, strengthened homelessness prevention, and the resettlement of Afghan and Medical Evacuation scheme families. The report highlighted progress in communications and awareness, with clearer information available to residents and partners, and improved access to education, skills, and employment opportunities.

Amadine Ismail, a sanctuary seeker supported by Lambeth's Sanctuary Services, shared his positive experience of resettlement in Lambeth, highlighting the support received with accommodation and language classes, though he noted the language barrier remains a challenge. Hugo Mokada, an ESOL student, spoke about the importance of English language classes for integration and opportunities. Adela Belletua from English for Action recommended appointing a qualified ESOL advisor to coordinate provision and address access barriers. Sarah Rees, Director of Learning Unlimited, described the success of the Welcome Project, which supports sanctuary seekers with integration and daily living skills.

Councillor Liam Daley raised concerns about the at risk status of actions related to Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) age dispute cases. Ed Walters, a sanctuary manager, explained that while there are ongoing efforts to improve processes, this remains a complex area. Councillor David Oxley inquired about the funding for sanctuary seekers, and it was clarified that services are primarily funded through central government grants, with specific conditions on their use.

The committee noted the progress made and the importance of the Borough of Sanctuary initiative. Key takeaways included exploring grant conditions for more joined-up ESOL provision, improving accessibility, and continuing investment in community organisations supporting sanctuary seekers.

Neighbourhood Working

The committee received an update on the development of Neighbourhood Health in Lambeth, focusing on the establishment of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs). This initiative, part of the national 10-year health plan, aims to deliver more preventative care closer to people's homes and integrate health, social care, and voluntary sector services. Lambeth is piloting this model in five neighbourhoods, focusing on three priority cohorts: people with multiple long-term conditions, those with frailty, and children and young people with complex needs.

Dr. Di Aitken, GP and Clinical Lead for the Neighbourhood and Wellbeing Alliance programme, shared compelling case studies illustrating the benefits of the multidisciplinary team approach in managing complex patient needs, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced hospital admissions. Binky Taylor, Independent Chair of the Neighbourhood Wellbeing Delivery Alliance, highlighted the ongoing engagement with residents and the voluntary and community sector (VCSE) to shape the INTs and ensure community needs are met. Alison Gingles-Jones from South London Citizens advocated for increased support for patients with health issues linked to their housing situations and for accessible, non-digital information and advocacy.

Councillor Liam Daley questioned how success would be measured, and it was explained that a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including reductions in hospital admissions and patient-reported outcomes, are being tracked. There was a discussion about the challenges in data sharing and the development of appropriate metrics. Councillor Oxley requested a detailed qualitative and quantitative update in 18 months' time, including information on how the £3 million Strategic Investment Fund is being used.

The committee welcomed the preventative focus of neighbourhood working but raised questions about the integration of adult social care professionals within the INTs from the outset. Andrew Eyres, Corporate Director for Integrated Health and Adult Social Care, assured members that adult social care is a key partner and that efforts are being made to ensure the right professionals are involved at the appropriate level. The committee requested more explicit breakdowns in future updates on how adult social care is embedded, more robust KPI data, and details on the use of the Strategic Investment Fund.

Work Programme and Actions Log Report

The committee reviewed its draft work programme for 2026-27 and the actions log from previous meetings. Rajneesh Toolsie, Democratic Services Officer, presented the proposed items for future scrutiny, including the Care Quality Commission assessment, re-accreditation of sanctuary services, and neighbourhood working. Amendments were proposed to defer the discussion on the treatment of social care works due to waiting for information on the future of fair pay agreements.

Councillor David Oxley suggested a process for members to submit ideas for future topics, which was agreed. Councillor Liam Daley proposed a future topic on service provision for long-term homelessness and associated needs, and Councillor Simon Bucknall expressed interest in exploring connections with HMP Brixton. The committee agreed to discuss annual complaints, safeguarding annual reports, and the carer strategy at the next meeting on 10 November 2026.