The Adults and Cultural Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Leicestershire County Council is scheduled to meet on Monday 2 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the future of Beaumanor Hall and Park, performance reports for the Adults and Cultural Services Department, an update on the Care Quality Commission assessment improvement plan, and the procurement of home care services.

Beaumanor Hall and Park

The committee is set to receive an update on proposals for the future operating model of Beaumanor Hall and Park. This historic site, which includes a Grade II* listed hall, currently serves multiple functions, including educational visits, commercial events, weddings, registration services, and heritage activities. A Beaumanor Programme Board has been established to explore options for reducing the financial cost of the site to the Council, with potential proposals including refreshing the interior, improving outdoor education facilities, developing the courtyard, and exploring mixed tenure models. The report notes significant maintenance requirements, with an estimated £2.4 million needed for immediate repairs and a further £5 million projected over the next decade. Marketing efforts are also being reviewed, with plans to create distinct micro-sites for weddings and education.

Performance Report 2026/27 - Position at July 2026

A joint report from the Director of Adults and Cultural Services and the Director of Corporate Resources will provide an update on the department's performance for the period April to July 2026. The report details performance against key metrics for Adult Social Care, including the number of contacts received, the proportion of adults with learning disabilities living at home or with family, and the timeliness of assessments. It also covers performance for Culture Leicestershire, including visits to heritage sites and library usage, and the Leicestershire Adult Learning Service's success rate. The report highlights continued progress in areas such as reducing assessment waiting times and increasing annual reviews, while also noting challenges in helping people remain independent and avoid unnecessary residential care.

Care Quality Commission Assessment 2025, Improvement Plan Delivery Update

The committee will receive an update on the progress made in delivering the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan. Following an overall rating of Requires Improvement in September 2025, Leicestershire County Council has been working to address identified areas for development. The report details progress in improving the timeliness of assessments and reviews across various services, including care and support assessments, carer assessments, financial assessments, and Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments. Improvements have also been noted in call response times and the accessibility of online information. The report also covers progress in reablement services, the Carers Strategy, sufficiency of provider services, safeguarding, and the workforce. The possibility of requesting a de-escalation of oversight from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is also to be considered.

Working Age Adults Step-Through Residential Accommodation

This report seeks comments on a proposal to commission a step-through residential service for Working Age Adults. The proposed service aims to provide a consistent approach for individuals with complex, specialist, and intensive support needs, offering a time-limited pathway for reablement, enablement, and assessment. The model is intended to be a person-centred alternative where supported living is not currently suitable due to the complexity of needs or high risk. The service would be delivered across three separate locations, each supporting up to five individuals, with a focus on positive behaviour support, trauma-informed practice, and reducing restrictive practices. The report highlights increasing costs in supported living and residential care for this demographic, indicating a need for more sustainable, progression-focused local provision.

Home Care for Leicestershire 2026-2034 Procurement

The committee will be updated on the outcome of the procurement process for the Home Care for Leicestershire (HCL) 2026-2034 service. The report details that 99 providers have been appointed to the new framework, which commenced on 12 October 2026. Of these, 59 are new to Leicestershire, while 40 are returning providers from the previous framework. The report outlines changes implemented in the commissioning model, including amendments to the zone configuration for care delivery, the introduction of specific 24-hour/live-in carer fixed rates, and clearer work allocation processes. The pricing structure and quality standards for providers are also detailed, with all appointed providers rated as Good or Outstanding by the CQC, or Not yet rated. The report notes that the framework will reopen in November 2026, offering further opportunities for providers to join.