The Adult Services and Housing Policy and Scrutiny Committee of North Somerset Council met on Thursday 15 October 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning adult social care and housing services. Key topics included an update on the activities of Alliance Homes, a review of the Adult Social Services and Housing Care Quality Commission (CQC) improvement plan, a finance and performance update, and progress on the Adults Transformation Programme. The committee also received an update on North Somerset Council's membership and workstreams with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), and reviewed the committee's work plan.

Alliance Homes Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the activities of Alliance Homes, a housing association that partners with North Somerset Council. The report aimed to provide a high-level overview of Alliance Homes' operations and performance, fostering an open dialogue with the committee. The update was intended to cover strategic planning, including initiatives stemming from Alliance Homes' 20th anniversary, and progress on its next corporate plan. It was also planned to detail the outcomes of a recent inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), which resulted in ratings of G1 for Governance, V2 for Viability, and C2 for Consumer standards. The report was expected to highlight progress on demolishing Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) in Weston-super-Mare and provide figures on new affordable homes delivered across the West of England and Somerset.

Adult Social Services and Housing Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the Adult Social Services and Housing Improvement Plan, following an initial CQC assurance report in May 2025. The report detailed progress on the 93 actions within the plan, highlighting key achievements such as the implementation of the Person's Journey project, the launch of an AI chatbot, and improvements in safeguarding services. Challenges and areas for continued focus were also to be discussed, including waiting lists, safeguarding performance, the Autism Strategy, workforce pressures, and the prevention offer. The committee was also to be briefed on preparations for an upcoming CQC assurance visit, including evidence submission, self-assessment, and the compilation of a database of individuals willing to share their experiences.

Finance and Performance Update

The committee was scheduled to review the financial position of Adult Social Services and Housing, with a forecast year-end overspend of £8.371 million based on figures from August 2026. The report detailed variances by service area, with a significant overspend projected for Individual Care and Support Packages. Mitigation targets of £3.5 million for the directorate were discussed, with £1.9 million identified through measures such as drawing down from the risk reserve and vacancy management. The report was also to provide an update on the directorate's performance against key actions within the Annual Directorate Statement as at the end of Quarter 1 (June 2026), using a traffic light system (Complete/Blue, Green, Amber/Red, Red) to indicate progress. Strategic risks were also to be reviewed, although no specific strategic risks falling within the committee's remit were identified at the end of Quarter 1.

Adults Transformation Programme

The Adult Services and Housing Policy and Scrutiny Committee was to receive an overview of the Adult Social Care Transformation Programme. This programme aims to improve outcomes for people in North Somerset by focusing on four strategic themes: Prevent, Delay and Reduce Demand; Home First and Community Based Support; Better Commissioning and Market Stewardship; and Digital, Data and Enablement. High-priority projects identified by the Directorate Leadership Team were to be highlighted, including those addressing high expenditure, increasing demand, or operational pressures. The report was also to outline the programme's governance arrangements and measures of success, emphasizing its role in supporting the financial sustainability of Adult Social Care.

WECA Membership and Workstreams Update

The committee was to be updated on the progress of North Somerset Council's potential membership of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). This update was to cover the programme for WECA membership, including liaison with government and amendments to WECA's constitution. Information on national policy regarding devolution, including WECA's designation as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA), was to be provided. The report was also to detail WECA's change programme and revised committee structures, and outline North Somerset Council's high-level priorities for the partnership, such as creating jobs, improving transport, ensuring fairer growth, and strengthening local places. The committee was asked to provide comments on its priorities for membership and to consider the frequency and format of future WECA updates.

ASH Work Plan October 2026

Finally, the committee was scheduled to review its work plan for October 2026. This included planned committee working groups, briefings, workshops, and informal meetings. Specific topics for future scrutiny included the findings and recommendations from a Housing Standards Inquiry Day, updates on the Renters Rights Act, the Adult Social Services and Housing budget, and a briefing on cuckooing. The work plan also outlined upcoming agenda reports for committee meetings, including performance and finance updates, CQC improvement plan updates, and WECA updates.