The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 14 April 2025 to discuss the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment of Adult Social Care, the ongoing review of respite care services, and the proposed participation promises for children and young people. The Panel acknowledged the CQC's Requires Improvement rating for Adult Social Care and agreed to receive an update on the improvement plan in September. They also resolved to continue the review of respite care, with a further report due in June, and approved the proposed Participation Promises for children and young people.

Adult Social Care CQC Inspection and Improvement Plan

The Panel received an update on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment of Adult Social Care in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), which resulted in a Requires Improvement rating. Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, explained that despite the rating, the CQC had recognised the dedication of B&NES staff. The Director of Adult Social Care, Suzanne Westhead, outlined the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan, which aims to address the identified areas for development. B&NES has been assigned a Care and Health Improvement Advisor (CHIA) to support this process. The Panel acknowledged the CQC report and agreed to receive an update on the progress of the improvement plan in September 2025.

Respite Care Review and Newton House

The Panel discussed the ongoing review of respite care services across all age groups in B&NES. Councillor Born assured the Panel that Newton House would remain open until a needs assessment was completed, and that the Council was working with families to shape future provision. The Director of Adult Social Care detailed three options being considered for future residential respite for individuals with complex needs: continuing the current service provided by Dimensions, establishing an internal service, or tendering for a new service. The Panel resolved to receive a further report in June 2025 containing clear recommendations for the next steps.

Children & Young People's Participation Promises

The Panel considered and approved the proposed Participation Promises for Children and Young People in B&NES. Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, highlighted that these promises represent a commitment from all staff working with children and young people to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decisions affecting them. The promises, developed in consultation with young people, outline five key commitments: to respect, listen, share decisions, help understand decisions, and inform what happens next. The Panel also acknowledged the overview of how the Council engages with children and young people.

B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) Update

Laura Ambler, Director of Place for B&NES, BSW ICB, provided an update on several key areas. This included the transfer of community-based care services to HCRG Care Group, the ongoing reform of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) with a projected 50% reduction in running costs, and the launch of a patient survey to understand reasons for A&E visits. The ICB is also continuing engagement with local residents to shape the new NHS Ten-Year Plan. Councillor Lesley Mansell raised concerns about the impact of reducing ICB costs and requested local figures for COVID-19 vaccine uptake, while Councillor Anna Box highlighted the dangers of vape batteries and the Council's efforts to make single-use vapes illegal.

Dementia Strategy

Melissa Hillier of ReMind UK and Ruth Lane of the ForgetMeNot Club addressed the Panel regarding the need for a dedicated Dementia Strategy in Bath and North East Somerset. They highlighted that while a Mental Health Commissioning Strategy exists, it does not specifically address dementia services. With an estimated 2700 people currently living with dementia in B&NES, a figure projected to increase significantly by 2030, they proposed that the 3SG group support the Council in coordinating a comprehensive strategy. The Panel agreed in principle to the need for a dementia strategy and requested that the matter be referred to the Cabinet Member for Adult Services and added to the Panel’s Forward Plan. Councillor Liz Hardman requested an update on progress at the June meeting.

Cabinet Member Update

Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, provided an update on statutory services, adult regulated services, community partners, finance, and public health. She noted the approaching one-year anniversary of Adult Social Care statutory services transferring back to B&NES Council and highlighted improvements in recruitment and retention in care homes. She also confirmed that Adult Social Care was projecting delivery of its savings targets for 2024/25. Councillor Liz Hardman inquired about the Carer's Strategy and the commissioning of community partner services, while Councillor Paul Crossley asked if funding for stop smoking services could also be used to combat vaping.

Panel Workplan

The Panel noted their current workplan and discussed proposals for future reports, including a review of local services for neurodiversity, home education, and an update on the Violence Reduction Partnership.