The Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss enabling healthier lifestyles in Gloucestershire, receive updates on adult social care and public health performance, and review the committee's work plan. The meeting will also cover the proposed Gloucestershire Tobacco Control Strategy and the Gloucestershire Healthy Weight Strategy.

Enabling Healthier Lifestyles in Gloucestershire

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to be dedicated to an update on work to enable healthier lifestyles across Gloucestershire. This will include a review of the latest performance data for the Adults' Healthy Lifestyles Service (HLS), delivered by ABL Health Ltd. The report pack indicates that the committee will receive information on areas where service performance is improving and where further improvement is needed.

A key focus will be on the Gloucestershire Tobacco Control Strategy (2026-2031) and the Gloucestershire Healthy Weight Strategy (2026-2036). These strategies, which are pending Cabinet consideration in October 2026, aim to provide a whole-system approach to prevention, reduce inequalities, and support healthier lives. Justin Wride, Regional Manager for ABL Health, and Joe Greedy, Head of Service for Healthy Lifestyles Gloucestershire, are scheduled to be in attendance to answer questions on these matters.

The report pack details that the HLS has shown a steady and sustained improvement in performance, particularly in overall smoking cessation outcomes and weight management activity levels. However, smoking in pregnancy remains an area requiring continued attention, with numbers of quit dates set significantly below target. Improvement activities include enhanced training for midwives, the development of an educational video on tobacco dependency, and efforts to improve the timeliness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and vape provision.

For weight management, the service aims to support 400 people annually. The report indicates an improvement in performance, with more people completing programmes and a higher proportion achieving meaningful weight loss. The service has revised its outcome indicator to reflect a more realistic approach to sustainable weight loss, with a revised target of 60% of participants achieving at least 3% weight loss.

The committee is invited to note the latest HLS performance, support the prioritisation of smoking in pregnancy, and comment on the forthcoming strategies.

Adult Social Care and Public Health Updates

The committee will also receive an update on Adult Social Care (ASC) performance for the first quarter of 2026/27, covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026. This information report is to be taken as read, with members having an opportunity to ask questions.

Similarly, an overview of matters relating to the delivery of Adult Social Care in Gloucestershire will be presented. This report is also to be taken as read, with members invited to ask questions.

A Public Health update will provide an overview of information relating to Public Health and the delivery of services in Gloucestershire. This information report will also be taken as read, with questions invited from members.

New Care Homes Programme

An update on the new-build care homes programme at Stonehouse, Cinderford, and Tewkesbury/Coombe Hill is scheduled. The report will summarise the current position and engagement activities shaping these schemes, with a focus on creating safe, sustainable homes connected to their local areas. Engagement with residents, carers, service providers, and local communities has informed design development, with efforts being made to ensure greater diversity in participation.

Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee Work Plan

The committee will review its work plan, with opportunities for members to suggest items for future discussion. This includes noting dates of future meetings and considering forthcoming executive decisions by the County Council and information relating to the Council Strategy.

Other Matters

The meeting agenda also includes items such as the Occupational Therapists joining Adult Social Care, the Adult Social Care Annual Report, and a briefing note on the review of safeguarding arrangements following a prosecution for modern slavery. An update on the trend in social worker turnover and a discussion on the performance scorecard query relating to quality visits are also listed. A briefing on the community reablement model, which aims to expand access to support and promote independence, will also be presented.

The committee will also receive an update from the Director of Public Health, covering the Neighbourhood Health Framework, revised Chief Medical Officer's Physical Activity Guidelines, a Government consultation on tobacco and vapes packaging, and updates on the Refugee Support Service, Operation Valour (an armed forces veterans hub bid), and services for women experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage.