The Adults and Health Policy and Scrutiny Committee of Westminster Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The meeting agenda includes a review of the committee's work programme, an update from the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, and discussions on the priorities for Healthwatch Westminster and the NHS West & North London ICB's wheelchair service.

Work Programme for 2026-2027

The committee is set to discuss and shape its work programme for the upcoming municipal year. This involves reviewing planned scrutiny activities, which include oversight of the Annual Safeguarding Report and an examination of hospital discharge social care and mental health pathways. The committee will also consider potential new topics for scrutiny in the remainder of the 2026/27 municipal year or for 2027/28. Additionally, the committee will consider whether to establish any task groups or commission single-member studies to delve deeper into specific issues.

Update from the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health

Councillor Lorraine Dean, the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, is scheduled to provide an update to the committee. The report outlines strategic priorities for social care, including maximising independence and exploring the use of direct payments. It also details ongoing work with NHS partners regarding the West and North London Integrated Care Board's (ICB) new operating model, and the development of specialist accommodation, including the recent opening of the 65-unit extra care scheme at Taylor House. The update will also cover the homecare mobilisation programme, including information on the billing process for homecare services. Furthermore, the report will touch upon the Casey Commission's independent review into adult social care in England and its potential implications for local government. Emerging issues such as mental health beds in Westminster, remedial works at Beachcroft Care Home, and the Council's approach to food poverty will also be covered. Recent decisions taken by the Cabinet Member, including direct awards for carer hub services and contract awards for carer and advocacy services, will be presented.

Healthwatch Westminster Priorities

The committee will receive an overview of the priorities for Healthwatch Westminster for its final year. Healthwatch, established to represent the views of people using health and social care services, is facing potential closure as announced by the government in July 2025. The report outlines five key priorities for Healthwatch Westminster: the Patient Experience Programme, Enter and View, the Know Your Rights Programme, the Have Your Say initiative, and the Young People's Mental Health Project. The committee is asked to consider these priorities in relation to its own work programme and the council's broader objectives, and to provide comments on the proposed future model for patient engagement in Westminster and the potential role of the Council.

NHS West & North London ICB Wheelchair Service

A review of the NHS West & North London ICB's contract with AJM Healthcare for the provision of wheelchair services in Westminster is scheduled. The report aims to provide the committee with an update on service quality, communication with service users, waiting times, and repair and maintenance arrangements. The NHS West & North London ICB is responsible for commissioning these services, with AJM Healthcare as the contracted provider. The report details the governance and contract management arrangements in place to oversee service quality and performance, including an ongoing provider improvement programme. It highlights progress in reducing service backlogs and improving operational transparency, with specific mention of remedial action plan review meetings and the use of text messages and email to update wheelchair users. The report also addresses concerns raised by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman regarding AJM Healthcare's services and outlines the complaints process. Details on waiting times, repairs and maintenance performance, and the eligibility criteria for wheelchair provision are also included.