The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 11 February 2026 covered a wide range of topics concerning adult social care, public health, and community services. Key discussions included updates on the Barnet Vaccination Programme, the Cancer Screening Health Ambassadors Project, and the Community Equipment service. The committee also reviewed the Adult Social Care Performance Report and the Engagement and Co-Production Annual Report, alongside updates on various Task and Finish Groups and the Cabinet Forward Plan.

Update from the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, provided an update on several key areas. She highlighted the ongoing challenges and successes within the Community Equipment service, noting the intensive work undertaken to ensure residents continued to receive essential equipment following the liquidation of the previous provider, NRS Healthcare. Councillor Moore also reported on the launch of the new Suicide Prevention Strategy and the continued importance of the Silver Sunday initiative in collaboration with Age UK Barnet. She touched upon the work of Change Grow Live in supporting drug and alcohol addiction recovery and mentioned a peer project with the Local Government Association (LGA) to review the structure and function of the Health and Wellbeing Board in light of future NHS changes.

During the subsequent Q&A, Councillor Gill Sargeant inquired about lessons learned from the community equipment service, to which Councillor Moore responded that the market for such services is challenging with few providers, underscoring the strength of Barnet's adult social care staff. Councillor Caroline Stock highlighted the importance of partnership working, particularly with Age UK Barnet, and Councillor Paul Edwards thanked Age UK Barnet for their contribution. Councillor Ezra Cohen asked about the upcoming budget and potential service reductions, with Councillor Moore stating that details would be provided at the next meeting, acknowledging that adult social care presents significant challenges for Barnet and other councils, but that Barnet has a strong department with excellent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection results. Councillor Philip Cohen, the Chair, asked about the impact of the merger of the North Central London (NCL) and North West London (NWL) Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) on Barnet, with Councillor Moore responding that the merger would create a large ICB and that the Barnet GP Federation is working hard, with the merger expected to bring opportunities for closer collaboration with NHS bodies and neighbourhood-level development.

Adult Social Care Performance Report

Mr Paul Kennedy, Head of Business Intelligence, Performance and Systems in Adult Social Care, presented the Adult Social Care Performance Report for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. He noted an increase in the number of complaints received compared to the previous year, but a reduction in upheld complaints, alongside an increase in compliments.

Councillor Philip Cohen raised concerns about increased waiting times for care assessments and financial reviews, and a gradual rise in mental health-related complaints. Mr Kennedy responded that while waiting times have increased, the number of individuals waiting for an assessment has reduced over the past year, with prioritisation based on urgency and risk. He confirmed that mental health complaints increased from 8 to 16, with upheld complaints rising from 1 to 3. The Executive Director, Communities, Adults and Health, noted that no specific trends were apparent around mental health complaints in Barnet.

Councillor Richard Barnes inquired about potential complaints that had not been formally realised, to which Mr Kennedy explained these were issues resolved outside of the formal complaints process. Councillor Shooter noted that despite an increase in compliments, the number of complaints had not reduced and asked for details of these complaints, with Mr Kennedy explaining they related to waiting times, quality of care, or decisions on care levels, and that learnings were taken from all complaints. Councillor Shooter also asked if waiting times could be reduced, and the Executive Director responded that while waiting is an issue, it is not the overarching one, and prioritisation is based on urgency and risk. He added that there is no national definition for recording waiting times or national performance targets for adult social care, but processes are being improved, such as the introduction of 'Magic Notes' to enhance social worker efficiency and better signposting in hospitals.

Councillor Caroline Stock expressed concern about the increase in upheld complaints from 44.4% to 61.5% and asked for an explanation. Mr Kennedy noted that this could include multiple complaints from the same individual about the same issue, potentially inflating the percentage. Councillor Stock also enquired about the Oracle system and its improvement, with the Executive Director responding that the system is improving and being reviewed, with workarounds and better access arrangements now in place. Councillor Paul Edwards commented that complaints about financial charging were not surprising due to national policies, and suggested this charging policy might need to be addressed outside the meeting.

The Sub-Committee resolved to note the Annual Complaints Report 2024-2025 and approved it for publication.

Food Security Task and Finish Group Report

Councillor Richard Barnes, Chair of the Food Security Task and Finish Group, presented the group's report. The group investigated the need for emergency food provision, the root causes of food poverty, and alternative solutions, engaging with the Barnet Food Partnership and local food banks. The report recommended the establishment of a 'social supermarket' model as an alternative to food banks, and the search for a suitable space for this initiative. Another recommendation was to seek financial support for Volunteers on Wheels, with Councillor Barnes investigating a Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) bid.

The Chair noted the usefulness of drop-in sessions for residents and the recommendation for a strategic lead for food security. Councillor Alison Cornelius mentioned her and Councillor Barnes's trustee roles at the Eleanor Palmer Trust, which had donated to Volunteers on Wheels. Councillor Caroline Stock thanked the group for their report and noted that Barnet is not an Accredited Living Wage Employer, questioning if this would be reconsidered. She also supported the suggestion of a Food Champion. Dr Janet Djomba, Director of Public Health, thanked Councillor Barnes for his work and agreed that a social supermarket is a viable option, reducing stigma and food insecurity. The Chair concluded that Barnet has more work to do in this area and looked forward to the Cabinet's response. The committee resolved to note the report, approve the recommendations, and refer it to the Cabinet meeting on 18 November 2025.

Task and Finish Group Updates

An update on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups was noted. The Chair reported that Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs had agreed that each committee would produce one short Task and Finish Group report by early 2026 due to the upcoming local elections in May.

NHS Quality Accounts - Mid-Year Update

The Chair presented responses from the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trusts, Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH), and the North London Hospice. Councillor Stock noted a request for updated data on healthy eating from CLCH, and the Principal Scrutiny Officer agreed to follow up. Councillor Stock also raised concerns about pressure sores being attributed to 'patient noncompliance'. The report was noted.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The Cabinet Forward Plan was noted by the committee.

Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

The forward plans for the committee and the Health and Wellbeing Board were noted.

Any item(s) the Chair decides are urgent

The Chair noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be considering budget papers on 11 December, and that Sub-Committees should feed into this process. An additional online meeting would be held on 20 January for the AHOSSC to discuss the budget.

Update on Community Equipment

Councillor Gill Sargeant, who had requested the report, led the discussion on the Community Equipment update. She acknowledged the challenging period the service had experienced and inquired about improvements and future stages. Sam Jacobson and Jess Baines Holmes provided an update, expressing hope for continued improvement over the next 6-12 months with the new provider, Provide Care Solutions. They highlighted better recycling rates and plans to address stock challenges. While acknowledging that specialist bespoke equipment can be complex, they were confident in the provider's ability to manage this. Councillor Sargeant requested a further report on the service's progress, which was agreed.

Questions were raised about the sourcing of equipment, with Jess Baines Holmes explaining that a significant proportion is purchased in the UK, though supply chains can be complex and global. She noted that 70% of equipment is purchased on behalf of the NHS. The discussion also touched upon assistive technology and AI, with it being clarified that this is a separate service from community equipment, but Barnet has been an early adopter of assistive technology. A progress report on assistive technology was requested.

The committee was informed that the community equipment service is a discrete service from assistive technology, but Barnet has been an early adopter of assistive technology, also known as telecare. This service is integrated into care pathways and aims to support independence before formal care is required. Councillor Edwards requested a progress report on the community equipment service and assistive technology, which was agreed for a future meeting.

Barnet Vaccinations Programme Update

Dr Mohamed Jawa, Deputy Director of Public Health and Health Protection Lead, presented an update on the Barnet Vaccinations Programme, joined by Bhavita Vishram, Senior Public Health Specialist, and Kainath, a Health Ambassador. Dr Jawa highlighted that while Barnet's vaccination uptake is higher than many neighbouring boroughs, it remains below national targets, particularly for routine childhood vaccines like MMR, and in some school-aged and adult cohorts. He noted the challenges of persistent inequalities, vaccine fatigue, and the growing influence of misinformation, exacerbated by the decommissioning of a key data platform.

Kainath, a Health Ambassador, shared personal accounts of engaging with the community, including helping an asylum seeker access breast cancer screening and addressing parental concerns about vaccinations based on misinformation. Dr Jawa emphasised the importance of building trusted relationships with communities through health ambassadors. He also highlighted the success of an event held at the council premises that facilitated dialogue between a vaccination provider and a school that had previously been resistant to vaccinations. A key challenge identified was the time-limited nature of the Health Ambassadors project, with a plea for additional resource to sustain this vital work.

Councillor Edwards inquired about resistance in schools and the funding challenges for the ambassador programme. Dr Jawa and Janet Djomba, Director of Public Health, stressed the value for money and life-saving impact of the health ambassadors, despite funding constraints and the lack of uplift in the public health grant. They expressed a commitment to advocating for continued funding and exploring sustainability plans. Councillor Emma Omijie expressed strong support for the continuation of the health ambassador programme, hoping for funding to be secured.

Cancer Screening Health Ambassadors Project Report

The report detailed the Cancer Screening Health Ambassadors Project, a two-year initiative funded by the Royal Free Charity, aimed at reducing inequalities in bowel, breast, and cervical cancer screening uptake in Barnet and Haringey. The project employs paid health ambassadors from local communities to engage residents, build trust, and tackle misinformation. Between April and December 2025, Barnet's ambassadors engaged over 1,100 residents directly, distributed resources, and signposted individuals to services.

A shared learning workshop highlighted ongoing barriers such as digital exclusion and variable GP access. The primary risk identified was the project's funding ending in September 2026. The Sub-Committee was asked to note and endorse the project's impact, consider how its learning could inform wider prevention strategies, and support efforts to secure sustainable funding and integrate community ambassador approaches into future work.

Councillor Emma Omijie expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its importance and the potential heartbreak if funding is not secured. She believed councillors would endorse the initiative and hoped funding would be found. Councillor Philip Cohen, the Chair, asked about the techniques used by health ambassadors when dealing with reluctant clients, to which Kainath explained the training received, including 'Make Every Contact Count' and 'Talk Cancer', and how personal experience as a carer informed her approach.

NCL ICB Reconfiguration and Finance Update

The Chief Development and Population Health Officer reported on the planned merger of the NCL and NWL ICBs by April 2026, expedited by a ministerial announcement. Concerns were raised by Alan Norton of Haringey Keep Our NHS Public (HKONP) regarding potential staff reductions and the impact on community care and social care budgets. The officer acknowledged these concerns and stated that the merger aims to maintain local connectivity.

Councillor Clarke expressed concern about proposed staff cuts, and Councillor Cohen highlighted potential increases in health inequalities and the implications of a more digital approach. Councillor Revah noted that the JHOSC would respond once more details were available. The officer reiterated that local ICBs can only act on directives received and cannot comment on central government policy. The committee agreed to pay regard to the deputation's concerns when considering the 10 Year Plan in November.

Regarding the NCL ICB finance update, the Director of Financial Strategy, Planning and Performance reported a balanced financial position for 2025/26, with a surplus of £27 million and a deficit of £27 million. However, North Mid and Royal Free had merged and hit their combined financial target, while Royal Free had a deficit plan of £42.7 million. The Whittington also had a deficit plan, while North London Foundation Trust and UCLH were in surplus. Councillor Cohen inquired about efficiency savings, with the Director explaining the focus would be on reducing agency staff costs. The Chair expressed concerns about the viability of these savings targets, given past pressures. The Director of Service Development explained that the focus is on long-term planning through substantive recruitment and managing agency staff rates.

Councillor Revah questioned the consistent deficit at Royal Free, and an update was requested. The Chair raised concerns about the impact of staff reductions on service provision and asked how the impact on staff and patients would be measured. The Director of Finance Business Partnering explained that savings schemes had undergone impact assessments and would not adversely affect service delivery. Councillor Connor highlighted the Mental Health Trust's inability to meet savings targets and the lack of impact from measures put in place. The Director of Finance Business Partnering stated it was early in the financial year and a recovery trajectory was expected. The Chair also enquired about the proposed substantive cuts to the ICB and the confidence in staff understanding processes with fewer people, noting the risk of losing expertise. The Director of Service Development confirmed no cuts had been made yet, but vacancies were being managed, and discussions were ongoing with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care about priorities. The Chief Development and Population Health Officer noted that NWL ICB is considered underfunded, while NCL is overfunded, and the merged entity could receive less funding, with these discussions ongoing.

Capital planning for 2025/26 was also discussed, including projects at GOSH, Moorfields, St Pancras, Royal Free, RNOH, UCLH, and Whittington. The Chair enquired about GP premises in Barnet and how many inadequate GP premises could be accommodated by the Torrington Park Health Centre, with the Director of Finance Business Partnering to provide this information. The Chair also asked about Community Care allocation and whether funding was separated at the ICB level, with the Director explaining that Trusts receive allocations and decide how to use them.

Several recommendations and follow-up actions were made, including a case study on leasing estate, understanding Royal Free's deficit, assessing the impact of savings on staff and patients, and clarifying capital funding for GP practices.

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Consultation

The Chair informed the committee about an ongoing consultation regarding the closure of cancer screening services at Mount Vernon Hospital and the reprovision of services in Watford. It was noted that this affects a small number of Barnet residents. The case for the move was considered strong, with assurances that travel times for Barnet residents should not increase. The committee was asked to be kept informed of the consultation. Emma Omijie mentioned that the information had been shared with Natalie's team and the People's Voice, allowing residents to join the consultation if they wished.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees.