The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss the Better Care Fund Delivery Plan and receive updates from the Cabinet Member for Adult Services and the B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB). Key discussions included the impacts of heatwaves, the transfer of supported living services, and the future of Long COVID provision.

Cabinet Member Update

Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, provided an update on several key areas. The panel heard that preparations for the CQC inspection of adult care services were a major focus, with a draft report expected soon. Significant progress has been made on the transfer of supported living services from Affinity Trust to B&NES Learning Disability Services, scheduled for 1 October, ensuring continuity of care. The new contract for Newton House, a respite provision for adults with learning disabilities and autism, has been signed, with a strong emphasis on co-design with families. The panel was also updated on the recommissioning of care home and homecare frameworks, as well as the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Framework.

Regarding the impacts of the Summer 2026 heatwaves, Councillor Born highlighted that extreme heat poses a significant health and wellbeing issue, particularly for vulnerable residents. The council and its partners have taken action to mitigate impacts and improve resilience, including heatwave response planning, welfare checks, and the expansion of the Cool Spaces programme. Long-term adaptation work is being embedded across council services, with a focus on ensuring vulnerable households have access to at least one cool room. The interim operating arrangements for Royal Victoria Park Golf & Footgolf were also discussed, following the previous operator's decision to cease trading.

Councillor Joanna Wright raised concerns about the lack of designated 'Cool Spaces' in her ward of Lambridge and questioned the involvement of Public Health in the Local Plan regarding future 'Cool and Warm Spaces'. Councillor Born stated that the Council would work with ward councillors and local organisations to explore provision in areas lacking designated spaces. The Director of Public Health & Prevention, Paul Scott, confirmed that local data on excess deaths due to heatwaves was not yet available but would be in approximately two months. He also noted that the Public Health team works with the University of Bath on river water quality and is aware of illnesses from swimming in them.

Councillor Michael Auton sought further information on the 10% increase in A&E attendance from deprived areas and stressed the need for future heatwave planning. Mr Scott explained that this was a high-level finding requiring further detailed analysis, and that plans for care ahead of winter and summer would continue. Lucy Baker added that lessons learned from winter planning were being applied to improve prevention measures for vulnerable people.

Councillor Lesley Mansell questioned Councillor Born's role as a Governor on the RUH Council of Governors, seeking assurance on proactive scrutiny of financial decisions. Councillor Born explained the role of the Council of Governors in holding the Board of Directors to account. Lucy Baker indicated that information relating to upcoming proposals from the RUH would begin to flow to the Panel from October.

The panel also discussed the proposed consultation on the All-Age Direct Payments Policy, which aims to provide greater choice and control over personal budgets. Councillor Born confirmed that the Council has a blueprint for bringing services back in-house, which was relevant to the transfer of supported living services.

B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) Update

Lucy Baker, B&NES Director of Place for the BSW ICB, provided an update on several key areas. The Panel was asked to comment on proposals for the future of the Long COVID Service, with the ICB proposing to continue funding the current service for the remainder of 2026/27 while further review work is undertaken. Councillor David Harding welcomed the continuation of the service, noting that COVID-19 is not going away and that expansion into other post-viral conditions would be beneficial. Kevin Burnett also expressed support, highlighting concerns about long-term impacts on education staff.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the engagement findings, comment on the proposed next steps, and support the continued review of the three service options for Long COVID.

Councillor Michael Auton inquired about attending the upcoming ICB Neighbourhood Workshop, and Lucy Baker confirmed an invitation would be sent. Kevin Burnett sought clarification on supervised teeth brushing sessions in schools and the role of Health Visitors, and whether Community Health Agents are medically qualified. Lucy Baker stated she would provide further information on Neighbourhood Health at a future meeting and that GPs retain clinical patient information.

Kevin Burnett also asked about follow-up on Child Sexual Abuse training and any updates on the RUH Improvement Action Plan. Lucy Baker confirmed that training is monitored and that the RUH plan focuses on A&E staffing and layout. Councillor Liz Hardman requested an ICB Calendar of engagement activities, which Lucy Baker stated would be provided soon. Councillor Lesley Mansell requested an update on Neighbourhood Health, focusing on equalities, SEND, and protected characteristics, which Lucy Baker agreed to provide.

Councillor Paul Crossley inquired about research into vaccine refusal and the link between child weight and family income. Mr Scott explained that data sharing is cautious, but that work is done with schools on healthy eating. Councillor Crossley suggested a discussion in an exempt session, which the Chair agreed to consider. Councillor Joanna Wright asked about the number of people engaged in outreach with Gypsy, Roma, Boater, and Traveller communities, with Lucy Baker stating that 40-50 people had been engaged. Councillor David Harding raised questions about housing numbers in GP practice catchment areas and dentistry provision in rural areas, to which Lucy Baker responded that the ICB has engaged with the Local Plan process and an Estates Team member could provide further information.

Better Care Fund Delivery Plan

Councillor Alison Born introduced the Better Care Fund (BCF) Delivery Plan, highlighting that it is a pooled budget of £26.5 million between Bath & North East Somerset Council and the NHS, aimed at supporting integrated health and social care services. The plan focuses on helping residents remain independent, reducing hospital admissions, and strengthening community-based support. Priorities for the coming year include neighbourhood working and prevention.

Kevin Burnett raised concerns about the transparency of the BCF, particularly regarding the Place Based Partnership Board membership and the difficulty in scrutinising value for money. Lucy Baker provided details of the Board's membership and stated that improvements have been made, citing a reduction in patients with No Criteria To Reside in acute hospital beds. Councillor Liz Hardman questioned whether the increasing population due to the Local Plan had been considered, and Councillor Born confirmed that the Fund's scope remains for individuals aged 18 to end of life. Lucy Baker added that the Fund will pivot into neighbourhood working and that the impact of the Local Plan is understood.

Councillor Lesley Mansell sought clarification on the reporting lines of the Place Based Partnership Board and the representation of provider partners. Lucy Baker explained that the Board reports to the Health & Wellbeing Board and the ICB Board, with representation from the RUH, AWP, and HCRG. Councillor Mansell also requested amendments to the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) of the Fund, suggesting stronger wording for certain commitments. Councillor Born agreed that these comments would be taken into consideration.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the 2026–2027 planning submission, the process undertaken to develop the plan, and the strategic intentions and delivery focus for the year ahead.

Panel Workplan

The Panel reviewed its workplan. Councillor Joanna Wright requested reports on the recent SEND Inspection and a data breach within SEND, as well as earlier notification of budget information for adult and children's services. Kevin Burnett sought clarification on the Community Services Transformation and its link to Neighbourhood Health. Councillor Liz Hardman inquired about the timeline for discussing several previously raised items, including education outside the council structure, access to CAMHS, and the Free School Meal Auto Enrolment report. The Chair indicated these would likely be covered in the October Cabinet Member Update, and Lucy Baker confirmed that HCRG and Oxford Health would attend the next meeting to discuss CAMHS and Neurodiversity waiting times. The Panel RESOLVED to note its current workplan and the proposals and future updates made during the meeting.