The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 05 November 2025 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's adult social care complaints report, food security in the borough, and updates on various task and finish groups. The committee received the adult social care performance report and recommendations from the Food Security Task and Finish Group were approved for referral to the Cabinet.

Update from the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care

Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, provided an update on several key areas. She highlighted the successful transition to a new community equipment supplier following the compulsory liquidation of the previous provider, praising the efforts of officers, particularly Dawn Wakeling, in ensuring continuity of service. Councillor Moore also announced the launch of the new Suicide Prevention Strategy, which was developed through co-production with individuals with lived experience. The strategy adopts a broad, community-based approach to suicide prevention. Additionally, she spoke about the success of Silver Sunday, an event organised in conjunction with Age UK Barnet, which celebrates older residents and showcases strong partnerships across the borough. Finally, Councillor Moore mentioned the Recovery Street Film Festival, an event that emerged from work with drug and alcohol treatment services, emphasizing the role of recovery alongside treatment.

Adult Social Care Annual Complaints Report

Paul Kennedy, Head of Business Intelligence, Performance and Systems, presented the Adult Social Care Annual Complaints Report for 2024-2025. The report indicated an increase in compliments received, while the number of formal complaints saw only a marginal rise. Notably, the number of upheld complaints and escalated complaints decreased. While there were increases in complaints related to mental health, localities, and customer finance, these were offset by reductions in other areas. Councillor Stock raised concerns about increased waiting times for care assessments and financial reviews, and the gradual rise in mental health complaints. Mr. Kennedy explained that while waiting times remain a challenge, the number of individuals waiting for assessments has reduced. He also noted that the increase in mental health complaints was often linked to individual cases rather than systemic issues. Councillor Cornelius inquired about potential complaints that were resolved outside the formal process, which Mr. Kennedy clarified were concerns resolved quickly to the complainant's satisfaction before escalating to a formal complaint. Councillor Stock also highlighted the financial charging category of complaints, noting that the national standard for discarding assets before financial assessment is outdated and contributes to residents facing significant charges.

Food Security Task and Finish Group

Councillor Richard Barnes, Chair of the Food Security Task and Finish Group, presented the group's report and recommendations. The group was formed in response to concerns about the increasing use of food banks and the broader issue of food security in Barnet, particularly in the context of the cost of living crisis. The report highlighted that food banks are a symptom of wider societal issues and that earlier intervention is needed. The group visited various food aid projects in other boroughs and found that a social supermarket model, offering affordable food with wrap-around support, could be beneficial in Barnet. The report made eight recommendations, including supporting the development of diverse food aid models, identifying a corporate strategic lead for food security, reviewing the use of Council services for drop-in sessions at food banks, identifying funding for Volunteers on Wheels, exploring opportunities for using the Household Support Fund, monitoring benefit uptake, reviewing recommendations from the Barnet Food Partnership Food Security Summit, and introducing a Councillor Food Champion role. Councillor Cornelius raised a point about the Ellenor Palmer Trust providing funding to Volunteers on Wheels, which Councillor Barnes acknowledged. The report was noted, and the recommendations were approved for referral to the Cabinet.

Task and Finish Group Updates

The Principal Scrutiny Officer provided an update on various Task and Finish Groups. It was noted that two groups, Allotment Governance and Management, and Food Security, would be reported to Cabinet on 18 November 2025. The membership for the Sustainable Travel Task and Finish Group would be corrected. The committee acknowledged the value of the work undertaken by these groups.

NHS Quality Accounts - Mid-Year Update

The committee received a mid-year update on NHS Quality Accounts. Councillor Stock raised concerns about the lack of data on healthy eating from Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH) and the explanation of pressure sores being due to patient non-compliance. The committee requested further data on healthy eating and clarification on the pressure sore issue.

Cabinet Forward Plan

The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2025-2026.

Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed and noted the proposed work programme for 2025-2026, which includes items such as the Adult Social Care Annual Complaints report, the Food Security Task and Finish Group report, and updates on community equipment provision. The Health and Wellbeing Board's work programme was also attached for information, with the committee considering items for pre-decision scrutiny.