The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Adult Care and Health portfolio's budget, scrutinise the delivery of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy, review contract monitoring for learning disabilities support, and receive an update on the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme. The committee noted a projected overspend of £9.842m for the Adult Social Care budget and reviewed the progress of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy, which has seen positive results, including increased confidence among befriending service users. The committee also reviewed contract performance for learning disabilities supported living services and discussed the annual monitoring report for the Primary and Secondary Intervention Service (PSIS), known as Bromley Well.

Budget Monitoring 2025/26

The committee reviewed the budget monitoring position for 2025/26, based on activity up to July 2025, as detailed in the ACH Budget Monitoring Q1 2025-26 report. A net projected overspend of £9.842m by year-end on controllable expenditure was noted. The report highlighted cost pressures on care packages and year-end adjustments to the balance of debtors. The committee also noted the full year effect cost pressures of £12.594k. The Director of Adult Social Care provided comments on the financial challenges and mitigating actions being taken. The committee agreed to refer the report to the Portfolio Holder for approval and to release amounts carried forward from 2024/25.

Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan 2022-2026 Update

The committee received an update on the delivery of the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan, as detailed in the Tackling Loneliness Strategy Action Plan - September report. The Principal Loneliness Champion reported that 100% of clients supported via the Bromley Well¹ befriending services stated they felt more confident and less isolated. The Principal Loneliness Champion also advised that 188 young people had attended Mytime Actives Arts Train programme this year, with 79% agreeing their collaboration and social skills had increased and 77% agreeing their confidence and motivation had also increased. Councillor Dr Sunil Gupta declared an interest as he ran a yoga centre in the borough via a not-for-profit organisation. The Chairman, Councillor Mark Brock, reminded members of the availability of the Tackling Loneliness Workshop and suggested it be included in the induction for new councillors. The committee noted the progress made in delivering the strategy.

Contract Monitoring – Learning Disabilities Supported Living Services

The committee considered the LD Supported Living Annual Monitoring Report for learning disabilities supported living services. The council has six contracts with specialist learning disability providers to provide care and support to 127 adults with learning disabilities living in 27 supported living schemes within the borough. The report provided an analysis of the providers' performances during the initial contract mobilisation period and the current contract term. The committee noted that the providers delivering these services are compliant with both the key performance indicators and outcomes required under the terms of the contract and with meeting the Quality Assessment Framework outcomes. Good working relations have been developed with all the providers which allows for open exploration and resolution of challenges and ensure a solid foundation for long term relationships over the term of these contracts.

Primary and Secondary Intervention Service Annual Monitoring Report

The committee received an annual monitoring update on the Primary and Secondary Intervention Service (PSIS), also known as Bromley Well, for the period April 2024 to March 2025, as detailed in the Primary and Secondary Service Annual Report. The report highlighted that the service had supported 9254 people, exceeding the target of 9000. The service has also generated over £2m in income for residents via Personal Independence Payment² and Attendance Allowance³ appeals. The committee noted PSIS service activity and progress made against key performance indicators and anticipated service outcomes for the reporting period.

Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme Update Report

The committee received an update on the delivery of the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Programme, as detailed in the Adult Services Transformation and Improvement Update Report. The report highlighted the eight priority projects within the Adult Services Digital Transformation Programme, including strengthening the Information, Advice and Guidance offer and improving the Adult Services Front Door. The committee noted the progress made in delivering the programme.