The Adults and Health Committee of Cheshire East Council met on 22 September 2025 and approved recommendations relating to the smoking cessation incentive scheme, recommissioning of sexual health services, future options for catering in extra care housing, and recommissioning of accommodation with care contracts. The committee also reviewed the first financial review of 2025/26 and received an update on the Adult Social Care Transformation Plan.

Here are the key topics discussed:

First Financial Review of 2025/26

The committee reviewed the First Financial Review of 2025/26, which showed a forecast adverse variance of £3.1m against a revised budget of £440.5m. The report highlighted a potential range from an optimistic underspend of £0.7m to a pessimistic overspend of £4.6m, a £5.3 million difference between best and worst case scenarios. The committee noted that fluctuating care costs and challenges faced by NHS partners contributed to the uncertainty in the forecasts. They also discussed the increasing number of self-funders requiring council support earlier than anticipated. The committee approved a supplementary revenue estimate request for additional grant funding over £500,000 and noted the available reserves position.

Future Options for Catering in Oakmere and Willowmere Extra Care Housing

The committee unanimously agreed to procure a new service provider for catering at Oakmere and Willowmere Extra Care Housing, delegating authority to the Executive Director of Adults and Health to award the contract. This followed a review, included as Annex 1 to the report, which identified a preference for on-site catering among residents. John Moulton spoke during public speaking time, representing residents of Oakmere and Willowmere, emphasised the importance of hot, nutritional meals and the social interaction provided by the on-site restaurant. The new provision is expected to be in place by 1 March 2026, with interim arrangements continuing until then.

Accommodation with Care Contract: Decision to Recommission

The committee voted to recommission the 'Accommodation with Care' contract for residential and nursing care homes, ahead of its expiry on 31 March 2026. The contract is valued at approximately £270 million over five years, with an option to extend for two more years, potentially increasing the overall value to £378 million. The council commissions 1,423 beds for adults in long-term placements across 97 care homes in Cheshire East, with 75 of those care homes on the council's framework. The council will invite the remaining 22 care homes to join the existing framework. Members raised concerns about the cost of the contract and the difference in prices paid by self-funders compared to the council.

Smoking Cessation Incentive Scheme Update

The committee scrutinised the report findings and approved recommendations regarding the Smoking in Pregnancy Incentives Scheme. The committee agreed to continue the household member component of the intervention during the transition to the national model, phase out the local scheme for pregnant women and household members as the national offer expands, and retain the option to reintroduce a local scheme if national funding ends. The scheme evaluation demonstrated a reduction in smoking at the time of delivery in Cheshire East, outperforming the national average. Members noted the success of the scheme and the value for money it had proven.

Recommissioning of Sexual Health Service

The committee approved the commencement of work to recommission the Integrated Sexual Health Service in Cheshire East. The decision was made in light of national changes and the need to ensure easy public access to the service. The committee was informed that the service would be reassessed to ensure it engaged all age groups and was fit for purpose for society. Members requested more statistical data in future reports.

Adult Social Care Transformation Plan Update

The committee received an update on the Adult Social Care Transformation Plan, which aims to improve care, reduce costs, and achieve £15 million in savings over the next four years. The plan includes two major programmes: Prevent, Reduce and Enable, and the Learning Disability Programme. The Prevent, Reduce and Enable pilot in Macclesfield has shown positive results, with residents regaining independence and moving out of care homes. Members requested feedback from service users and that the transformation be delivered at pace with key performance indicators (KPIs).

Cheshire East Health and Wellbeing Board Minutes

The committee received and noted the minutes of the Cheshire East Health and Wellbeing Board meeting held on 1 July 2025¹.

Work Programme

The committee approved the work programme and requested that officers consider including reports with quantitative indicators of success.