The Adult Social Care and Public Health Cabinet Committee met to discuss several key issues, including the recommissioning of older persons' residential and nursing care, improvements to adult social care, public health service transformation, and strategies for work and health. The committee agreed to endorse recommendations for the cabinet member to approve the recommissioning of older persons residential and nursing care, public health service transformation, NHS health checks, sexual health services, and physical activity service for older people. They also approved and adopted the Kent and Medway Integrated Work and Health Strategy.

Older Persons Residential and Nursing Recommissioning Contract

The committee considered and endorsed recommendations to the cabinet member regarding the recommissioning of the Older Persons Residential and Nursing Care Service. The aim is to extend the current dynamic purchasing system contract arrangements for up to nine months to allow for awarding new contracts under a new Light to Touch open framework. The committee also agreed to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health to take relevant actions, including opening the Light Touch open framework at regular intervals and finalising the terms of legal arrangements.

Mr. Shrettfield, speaking as a member of the public, raised concerns about the rising costs of the contract, discrepancies in figures, and risks associated with providers not accessing the open framework. He urged the committee to review the figures and risks in detail before delegating decisions.

In response, officers acknowledged the seriousness of the budget and the 10% annual growth in adult social care demand. They emphasised that the framework aims to identify providers for strategic partnerships and ensure quality residential care. They also highlighted a whole-system approach to reduce demand and work closely with NHS colleagues.

Councillor Sefton echoed Mr. Shrettfield's concerns but expressed support for the proposal if the cabinet member was comfortable, subject to close monitoring.

Improvement Plan: CQC Report

The committee was asked to note the local authority rating and initial improvement activity identified in response to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) local authority assurance framework.

A member of the committee raised concerns about the vagueness of some goals in the action plan, particularly regarding reducing the waiting list. They requested access to a document with specific figures and baselines.

Officers clarified that the presented action plan was an initial draft and a more robust, detailed improvement plan would be developed and shared by August. They assured the committee that improvement plans for locality teams were already in place, focusing on reducing excessive wait times for assessments, reviews, and safeguarding.

Update on Public Health Service Transformation

The committee received an overview of the public health service transformation programme, which aims to improve services, deliver better value, and address inequalities. The programme, underpinned by core principles such as tackling inequalities and being person-centred, is in the later stages of implementation, with many milestones completed and several procurements recently launched.

Public Health Service Transformation: NHS Health Checks Key Decision

The committee discussed and endorsed the proposed commissioning strategy for NHS Health Checks, a statutory service offered to eligible individuals aged 40-74 every five years. The recommendations included continuing to deliver the main bulk of services via GPs and pharmacies, but with KCC contracting with them directly to increase oversight and efficiency. The new service model would also introduce a prioritisation approach and maintain an outreach service to target areas of deprivation.

A member of the committee raised questions about the current uptake rate (36.4%) and the provisions for targeting areas with higher cardiovascular disease risk. Officers responded that they aim to increase uptake through digital technology and targeted outreach, but a specific target for the new service has not yet been set.

Public Health Service Transformation: Sexual Health Services Key Decision

The committee considered and endorsed the proposed commissioning strategy for sexual health services, which KCC has a statutory duty to provide. The strategy aims to ensure evidence-based delivery, strengthen partnership working, and deliver value for money. The proposed model involves recommissioning the statutory sexual health services for a value of up to £70.3 million for a period of five years, starting on 1 April 2026.

Public Health Service Transformation: Physical Activity Service for Older People Key Decision

The committee discussed and endorsed the proposed new service model for physical activity for older people, which aims to provide more flexible, accessible, and better-promoted activities. The new approach would offer support for those aged 50 and older and include shorter, more intensive courses of 12 weeks. Services would be delivered via a new grant system, fostering community-led projects and increasing service reach.

A member of the committee raised concerns about meeting demand and cost pressures. Officers responded that the new model is expected to be more accessible and meet the needs of more people, with close monitoring of progress. Another member asked about referral routes and clinical oversight. Officers clarified that the service is more preventative than clinical, with training and support provided to grant applicants.

Kent and Medway Work and Health Strategy Key Decision

The committee considered and approved the Kent and Medway Integrated Work and Health Strategy, which aims to tackle economic inactivity related to long-term health conditions. The strategy focuses on building employer confidence, enhancing skills and training opportunities, helping individuals find the right job opportunities, and promoting workforce well-being.

A member of the committee inquired about the strategy's similarity to previous training schemes. Officers clarified that the strategy encompasses various existing schemes and aims to provide tailored support for individuals to enter or stay in employment. Another member emphasised the importance of engaging with district councils in the wider engagement piece.

Work Programme

The committee noted the contents of the work programme.