The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council met on Wednesday 9 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 proposed refreshing of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy for 2027. The committee also reviewed budget monitoring reports and capital programme updates for the 2026/27 financial year, and considered recommendations for contract awards related to residential care and domiciliary care services.

Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan Refresh 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to consider the refreshed Adult Care and Health Portfolio Plan for 2026/27. This plan aligns with the council's corporate strategy, 'Making Bromley Even Better', and focuses on two key ambitions: enabling adults and older people to enjoy fulfilled lives and ensuring the effective management of resources for value for money. The plan outlines priorities and actions for Adult Care and Health Services, aiming to support residents in ageing well, retaining independence, and making choices, while also ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.

Refreshing the Tackling Loneliness Strategy for 2027

A significant item on the agenda was the proposal to refresh the Tackling Loneliness Strategy, originally approved in November 2021. The report outlined plans for developing an updated strategy and a 'Tackling Loneliness Covenant' to encourage shared responsibility among partners, voluntary organisations, and businesses. The process involves councillor workshops, a borough-wide survey conducted by Sheffield Hallam University, and co-production activities with residents and stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to reducing loneliness and social isolation across Bromley.

Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme Update

The committee was set to receive an update on the progress of the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme. This programme aims to create a more sustainable and efficient operating model for the Directorate, enhancing service quality and resident outcomes. Key areas of focus include improving the front door assessment process, increasing the use of technology-enabled living solutions, developing community-based support, and empowering staff with better data access. The programme is designed to align with the 'Making Bromley Even Better' ambitions and the Adult Social Care Strategy, with a projected net saving from 2026/27 onwards.

Budget and Capital Programme Monitoring

The committee was scheduled to review the first quarter budget monitoring report for 2026/27 for the Adult Care and Health Portfolio. This report details the projected net overspend of £624k on controllable expenditure, with key areas of concern identified in Assessment and Care Management and Mental Health services, offset by an underspend in Learning Disabilities. Additionally, a report on the Capital Programme Monitoring for the first quarter of 2026/27 was to be considered, outlining any changes to the capital programme for the period 2026/27 to 2030/31, with the Astley Day Centre scheme noted as the primary item within the portfolio's capital budget.

Residential Care Block Contract Award (Part 1)

The committee was to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a proposal to award four block contracts for nursing and residential care home provision. These contracts, intended to convert existing spot purchasing arrangements into block contracts, aim to secure dedicated bed capacity at agreed rates to support the Council's statutory duties under the Care Act 2014. The proposed contracts are with Burrows House (Gold Care), Priory Mew (RMB Healthcare), Coloma Court (HMT), and Mission Care. The report sought approval to issue Transparency Notices and delegate authority for contract award, subject to the outcome of that process.

Domiciliary Care Framework Contract Award (Part 1)

A significant item for pre-decision scrutiny was the proposed contract award for a new Domiciliary Care Framework. This framework, which combines existing arrangements into a more streamlined model, is split into three lots: Lot 1 for adult domiciliary care (approximately 80% of packages), Lot 2 for adult domiciliary care (approximately 20% of packages), and Lot 3 for children and young people's care. The proposed four-year framework, commencing in October 2026, has an estimated annual value of £20.3 million. The report detailed the evaluation process, recommended providers, and sought approval for the contract awards and delegated authority for managing the reserve list for Lot 1 providers.

Information Briefing

The committee was also scheduled to receive 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.