The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider progress on the Adult Social Care CQC Improvement Plan and review Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake in Newham. The committee was also scheduled to review and confirm its work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Adult Social Care CQC Improvement Plan – Progress and Assurance

The committee was scheduled to consider the progress made against the Adult Social Care CQC Improvement Plan. This plan was developed in response to a Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment in July 2025, which rated the service as 'Requires Improvement'. The report was scheduled to outline the assurance arrangements in place, identify areas where further evidence of sustained impact is needed, and highlight plans still in development and current delivery challenges. It was also scheduled to explain how residents' lived experiences are intended to inform ongoing improvement and future service design. The CQC framework assesses local authorities across four themes: Working with people, Providing support, Ensuring safety, and Leadership and workforce. The report was scheduled to detail progress against each of these themes, including improvements in information and advice provision, assessment and review timeliness, leadership stability, and support for unpaid carers.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination Uptake

The committee was scheduled to consider the uptake of the MMR vaccine in Newham, with a particular focus on inequalities in coverage. The report was scheduled to highlight that MMR vaccination uptake has declined over the past decade, falling below the 95% level recommended to prevent measles outbreaks. It was also scheduled to discuss progress through the MMR trailblazer initiative and actions being taken to improve uptake. The report was expected to detail the challenges affecting MMR vaccination uptake, including access to services, confidence and trust in vaccines, and practical barriers. It was also scheduled to outline current activities and future plans to improve uptake, such as a whole-system approach, strengthening data and intelligence, applying health equity principles, and working with schools and communities. The report was to include appendices detailing vaccination data, roles and responsibilities, and relevant strategies.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review and confirm its work programme for the municipal year 2026-2027. This programme outlines the topics that the committee intends to scrutinise throughout the year. The report was scheduled to include suggestions for future work programme items, such as the Carers Strategy, cooperation with the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS), inter-departmental communication, and concerns relating to pollution and air quality.