The Adults and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy, the recommissioning of the Dementia Support Service, and an update on the Care Quality Commission's assessment and the associated improvement plan.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27–2029/30

The committee was scheduled to consider the proposed Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the Adults and Communities Department for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30. The report highlighted that the draft MTFS projected a significant financial gap, with a projected gap of £23 million in the first year, rising to £106 million by the fourth year. The strategy outlined the department's ambitions and how it would contribute to the council's Strategic Plan outcomes, focusing on promoting wellbeing, preventing future needs, and delivering sustainable services. The report detailed proposed revenue budgets, including significant growth areas such as increased demand for services for older people, learning disabilities, and mental health. It also outlined proposed savings, including efficiencies in commissioning, transforming services, and increasing income. The committee was also to be informed about the ongoing Efficiency Review, commissioned to identify further opportunities for cost reduction and service redesign.

Recommissioning of Dementia Support Service

A report was scheduled to be presented regarding the proposed procurement of the Dementia Support Service (DSS) and its associated key performance indicators. The DSS supports the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Joint Living Well with Dementia Strategy, aiming to improve prevention, early diagnosis, and support for individuals living with dementia and their carers. The current contract, delivered by Age UK, is due to end in September 2026. The report indicated that there are over 10,000 estimated people living with dementia in Leicestershire, with a diagnosis rate below the national target. The proposed service model aims to provide pre-diagnosis, peri-diagnosis, and post-diagnosis support, including information, advice, and guidance, personalised support plans, and carer workshops. Engagement with service users, carers, and providers had highlighted the need for culturally appropriate support, wider reach into rural communities, and a focus on seldom-heard groups. The council's annual contribution to the proposed service was to be £265,352, funded via the Better Care Fund.

Care Quality Commission Assessment 2025 - Improvement Plan Delivery Update

The committee was to receive an update on the progress made in delivering the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan. Leicestershire County Council had received an overall rating of Requires Improvement from the CQC in September 2025. The report detailed the actions being taken to address areas for development, including improving the timeliness of assessments and reviews for Care Act assessments, carer assessments, financial assessments, and occupational therapy. Progress was also to be reported on enhancing access to information, advice, and guidance, particularly for those without digital access. Updates were scheduled on reablement and hospital discharge improvements, the development of a new Carers Strategy and Support Service, and efforts to ensure the sufficiency and quality of provider services, including supported living and day services. The report also covered work to ensure equity of access and experience for all residents, improvements to safeguarding processes, and the pathway for young people transitioning to adulthood. The report highlighted that significant resource, approximately £4 million in growth, had been allocated in the MTFS to meet the requirements of the improvement plan.