The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council met on Wednesday 09 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning adult social care services. Key topics included the refresh of the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan for 2026/27, an update on the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme, and the budget monitoring for the first quarter of 2026/27. The committee also reviewed proposals for contract awards related to residential care and domiciliary care services.

Holding the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Holder to Account

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the Director of Adult Social Care, Councillor Diane Smith, who holds the Portfolio for Adult Care and Health. This would have provided an overview of the department's activities and progress.

Portfolio Plan Refresh 2026/27

A key item for discussion was the refresh of the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan for 2026/27. This plan outlines the priorities and actions for Adult Care and Health Services, aligning with the Council's Corporate Strategy, 'Making Bromley Even Better'. The plan focuses on two core ambitions: enabling adults and older people to enjoy fulfilled lives and ensuring the effective management of resources for value for money. The document details specific actions and measures of success for the coming year, including ensuring effective safeguarding, planning and delivering services with residents, supporting families to stay independent, helping residents remain at home, and working in partnership with the NHS and other health agencies.

Refreshing the Loneliness Strategy for 2027

The committee was also scheduled to discuss the refreshing of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy for 2027. The current strategy, approved in November 2021, has been well-received. The proposed refresh aims to build on this success, with plans to develop a new 'Tackling Loneliness Covenant' to encourage partner organisations, businesses, and community groups to pledge their commitment to reducing loneliness. The process involves extensive co-production, including a borough-wide survey conducted by Sheffield Hallam University and round-table discussions with residents, including those from seldom-heard communities. A dedicated workshop for councillors was also planned to gather input for the strategy.

Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme Update

An update was scheduled on the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme. This programme aims to create a more sustainable and efficient operating model for Adult Social Care, leading to service quality improvements and better outcomes for residents. Key achievements highlighted in the report include improvements in resident satisfaction at first contact, advancements in prevention and independence through technology-enabled living, and strengthened safeguarding practices. The programme is also focused on accelerating digital and workforce transformation, with significant savings reported.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny of Portfolio Holder Reports

The committee was set to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of several reports concerning the Adult Care and Health Portfolio Holder's decisions. These included:

• 2026/27 Q1 Budget Monitoring Report: This report presented the first revenue budget monitoring position for the 2026/27 financial year for the Adult Care and Health Portfolio. It detailed a projected net overspend of £624k on controllable expenditure based on information available at the end of the first quarter. The report highlighted pressures in Assessment and Care Management and Mental Health services, alongside an underspend in Learning Disabilities.
• 2026/27 Q1 Capital Programme Monitoring: This report provided an update on the capital expenditure and receipts following the first quarter of 2026/27. It detailed changes to the capital programme for the Adult Care and Health portfolio, with the revised programme for this portfolio remaining at £531,000 for the Astley Day Centre scheme.
• Residential Care Block Contract - Contract Award (Part 1): The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for the direct award of four block contracts for nursing and residential care home provision. These contracts aim to convert existing spot purchasing arrangements into block contracts to secure dedicated bed capacity at agreed rates, supporting the Council's statutory duties under the Care Act 2014. The proposed contracts were with Burrows House (Gold Care), Priory Mew (RMB Healthcare), Coloma Court (HMT), and Mission Care.

Holding the Executive to Account

Pre-Decision Scrutiny of Executive Reports

The committee was also tasked with pre-decision scrutiny of Executive reports:

• Domiciliary Care Framework Contract Award (Part 1): This report detailed the outcome of the tender process for a new Domiciliary Care Framework. The proposed framework combines existing arrangements into a more streamlined model, with a single framework for adults and a separate lot for children and families. The report recommended approving contract awards across three lots for a four-year period, with an estimated annual value of £20.3 million. The framework includes provisions for price caps and collars, and a tiered approach to provider engagement.

Policy Development and Other Items

Questions on the Adult Care and Health PDS Information Briefing

The committee was provided with an information briefing comprising minutes from the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee, an update on the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan, and the Annual Compliments and Complaints Report for 2025/26. These items were for information only, but members could request a debate on specific aspects.

The meeting also included standard items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and questions from councillors and the public. Items involving exempt information, such as exempt minutes and further details on contract awards, were scheduled for consideration in Part 2 of the agenda.