The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee of Waltham Forest Council was scheduled to discuss the recommissioning of vital children's health services, the renewal of a partnership agreement for the Better Care Fund, and the outcomes of a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care services. The committee also reviewed the ongoing work of the Safeguarding Adults Board and the council's scrutiny forward plan.

Recommissioning of Children's Health Services

The committee was scheduled to consider the recommissioning of three key contracts that support the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Waltham Forest. These services, which are due to end on 30 June 2027, include the Healthy Child Programme (0-19 years), the Best Start Service (0-5 years), and Universal and Targeted Services for Children (0-5 years) and their Parents. The report highlighted that these services are critical for improving child health, safeguarding, and reducing health inequalities, with a significant public investment involved. The recommissioning process aims to ensure services are effective, safe, equitable, and responsive to local needs, with a particular focus on integrating services more closely and aligning with the national Best Start in Life programme. The report noted that approximately 68,500 children live in Waltham Forest, with significant health and social challenges including high rates of children living in income-deprived households and overcrowding. Workforce pressures and recruitment challenges were also identified as key concerns.

Better Care Fund Partnership Agreement

A significant item on the agenda was the proposal to enter into a new Section 75 (s.75) Agreement between the North East London (NEL) Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Waltham Forest Council for the delivery of the Better Care Fund (BCF). This agreement, which is a statutory requirement, underpins the integration of health and social care through the pooling of budgets to deliver person-centred care and support independent living. The current agreement was due to expire on 31 March 2026, necessitating a new arrangement to accommodate the 2026/27 fund allocations. The BCF in Waltham Forest for 2025/26 had an allocation of £41.5 million, funding a range of interventions aimed at improving hospital discharge, admission avoidance, and supporting independent living through assistive technology and community equipment services. The new agreement aims to ensure continued integrated service delivery with clear accountability, good governance, and transparency for the movement of funds.

Adult Social Care CQC Assurance Outcome

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Waltham Forest Council's Adult Social Care services, which achieved an overall rating of 'Good'. The report highlighted the commitment to innovation, learning, and improving outcomes for residents, as well as the strength of local partnerships. However, the report also acknowledged areas identified for improvement, for which an action plan had been developed. Key strengths noted included the prevention offer, work with the Dementia Hub, improved community equipment access, and strong leadership and partnership working. Areas for improvement included strengthening safeguarding training and data use, enhancing carer assessments and information provision, improving the timeliness of assessments and front-door services, and ensuring consistency in practice.

The Scrutiny Report

The committee was also scheduled to review the Scrutiny Report, which provides an update on the committee's work programme. This included reviewing the Forward Plan for the remainder of the municipal year, noting any suggestions for future items, and commenting on the Action Tracker and Recommendations Tracker from previous meetings. The report also outlined key decisions falling under the committee's remit that were scheduled to be presented to Cabinet, including the Section 75 Agreement for the Better Care Fund.