The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to review the Barnet Adult Safeguarding Board Annual Report, receiving recommendations for approval. The committee also discussed the Adult Social Care Performance Report, the update on the Primary Care (GP) Access Task and Finish Group, and considered the committee's forward plans for the upcoming year.

Barnet Adult Safeguarding Board Annual Report

The committee received and noted the Barnet Adult Safeguarding Board Annual Report for 2024-25. The report detailed the board's activities, including its work on prevention, multi-agency collaboration, and the implementation of learning from safeguarding reviews. The committee was informed that the report would be published on the council's website. The report highlighted a 12.5% increase in individuals involved in safeguarding concerns compared to the previous year, with neglect and omission remaining the most common type of risk. The committee also noted the positive CQC rating of 'Good' for Barnet Adult Social Care, with specific commendations for its clear and robust approach to safeguarding. Discussions also touched upon the impact of national changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) on safeguarding responsibilities and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Healthwatch.

Adult Social Care Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Adult Social Care Performance Report for Q1 2025-26. The report provided an overview of performance, risk, and other updates relevant to the quarter. Key performance indicators from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) were presented, showing a slight increase in ASCOF indicators in quartiles 1 and 2 compared to the previous year. The report also included highlights from the Barnet Carers Centre's annual survey, indicating high levels of satisfaction among carers who used their services. The committee noted the ongoing financial pressures and increasing demand for services within adult social care, as well as risks associated with bad debt management and the potential impact of NHS restructuring.

Update on Primary Care (GP) Access Task and Finish Group

An update was provided on the implementation of recommendations from the Primary Care (GP) Access Task and Finish Group. The committee considered three patient communication leaflets developed by the Community Barnet Plus Primary Care Group: a patient information sheet, a care navigation sheet, and a remote consultation sheet. The committee recommended that these leaflets be disseminated across the borough under the direction of the Director of Public Health, subject to the agreement of the Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care. This initiative aims to improve residents' understanding of how to access the most appropriate care for their needs.

Committee Forward Plans

The committee noted its own forward plan for 2025-26, which includes a range of topics for scrutiny such as NHS Quality Accounts, the annual complaints report, winter preparedness, and updates on Task and Finish Groups. The committee also noted the Health and Wellbeing Board's forward plan for 2025-26, which includes deep dives into areas such as drugs and alcohol misuse, children and young people's services, and community connection. The committee may consider items from the Health and Wellbeing Board's plan for pre-decision scrutiny.

Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Update

The minutes from the North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 28 April 2025 and 11 July 2025 were received and noted. Discussions at these meetings included mental health pathways, the transition from children's to adult mental health services, community pharmacy updates, and the NCL Estates & Infrastructure Strategy.

Task and Finish Groups Update

An update on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups was noted. This included the Primary Care (GP) Access group, which had received a response from Cabinet, and the Discharge to Assess group, which was also awaiting a Cabinet response. Other groups, such as the Allotment Management and Governance group and the Food Security group, were nearing the completion of their reports.

Cabinet Forward Plan

The committee reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2025-26, which outlines upcoming key decisions. The committee was invited to consider any items they might wish to request for pre-decision scrutiny during the upcoming year.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Philip Cohen, Chair of the Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.