The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to discuss a range of important health and social care issues affecting Barnet residents. Key decisions included noting the Adult Social Care Performance Report, endorsing the work of the Cancer Screening Health Ambassadors, and reviewing updates on immunisation programmes and community equipment services.

Update from 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 significant challenges and successful navigation of the community equipment service following the liquidation of the previous provider, NRS Healthcare, in August 2025. Councillor Moore also spoke about the recent launch of the new Suicide Prevention Strategy and the ongoing importance of initiatives like Silver Sunday in collaboration with Age UK Barnet. She touched upon the work of Change Grow Live in supporting drug and alcohol addiction treatment and the ongoing review of the Health and Wellbeing Board's structure in light of future NHS changes. Discussions also touched upon the impending merger of the North Central London (NCL) and North West London (NWL) Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), with Councillor Moore acknowledging the potential for both challenges and opportunities in developing local health plans.

Adult Social Care Performance Report

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. The report indicated an increase in the number of complaints received, though the number of upheld complaints had reduced. Compliments had also increased. Concerns were raised regarding waiting times for care assessments and financial reviews, which have increased and remain a challenge. While the number of individuals waiting for assessment has reduced, some individuals experience longer waits due to case complexity and risk management approaches. Complaints related to mental health saw an increase from 8 to 16, with upheld complaints rising from 1 to 3. The report noted that the Oracle system, used for invoicing and reminder letters, is improving after initial implementation issues. The committee noted the report and approved it for publication.

Food Security Task and Finish Group

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 potential solutions. Key recommendations included finding a suitable space for a social supermarket model, which offers low-cost food and reduces stigma compared to traditional food banks, and seeking financial support for the Volunteers on Wheels initiative. The committee noted the report, approved the recommendations, and referred it to the Cabinet meeting on 18 November 2025.

Task and Finish Group Updates

An update was provided on the ongoing work of various Task and Finish Groups. The committee noted that due to the upcoming local elections in May, each committee would produce one short Task and Finish Group report by early 2026.

NHS Quality Accounts - Mid-Year Update

The committee reviewed responses from the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trusts, Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH), and the North London Hospice regarding their Quality Accounts. Councillor Caroline Stock raised concerns about the reasons given for pressure sores, questioning why patient noncompliance was cited. The committee noted the report.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan, which outlines upcoming key decisions.

Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

The committee noted the proposed work programme for the upcoming year.

Barnet Vaccinations Programme Update

Dr Mohammed Jawad, Deputy Director of Public Health and Health Protection Lead, presented an update on immunisation programmes in Barnet. While Barnet's vaccination uptake is generally higher than many neighbouring boroughs, it remains below national targets, particularly for routine childhood vaccines like MMR. Significant challenges include persistent inequalities, vaccine hesitancy, and the impact of misinformation, exacerbated by the decommissioning of a key data platform. Targeted interventions, including the work of Health Ambassadors, have shown positive trends in HPV, adolescent booster, and maternal vaccinations. The committee was asked to note and endorse the project's impact and support efforts to secure sustainable funding for the Health Ambassador model.

Cancer Screening Health Ambassadors Project Report

Dr Janet Djomba, Director of Public Health, presented the Cancer Screening Health Ambassadors Project Report. This two-year initiative, funded by the Royal Free Charity, aims to reduce inequalities in bowel, breast, and cervical cancer screening uptake. Health ambassadors from local communities engage residents, build trust, and address barriers. Between April and December 2025, ambassadors directly engaged over 1,100 residents, distributed resources, and signposted individuals to health services. A key challenge identified is the project's funding ending in September 2026, and the committee was asked to endorse the project's impact and support efforts to secure sustainable funding.

Task and Finish Groups Update

An update was provided on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups, including those focusing on Discharge to Assess, Primary Care (GP) Access, Allotment Management and Governance, Food Security, Fostering, Sustainable Travel, Fast Food, Young Carers, and Flats above shops (flash) recycling/food waste. The committee noted the progress of these groups.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The committee reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2026, identifying potential items for pre-decision scrutiny.

Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

The committee noted and commented on the proposed work programme for 2025-26, as well as the Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board's work programme for the same period.

Any item(s) the Chair decides are urgent

The Chair noted that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) was unable to attend due to restructuring but would provide a written response to questions regarding GP access and discharge to assess. The committee was also informed about an ongoing consultation regarding the closure and reprovision of services from Mount Vernon Hospital, with a new surgical centre planned for Watford. The report suggested that travel times for Barnet residents should not increase. The committee was kept informed of this consultation.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Councillor Philip Cohen, the outgoing Chair, and advisors Nila Patel and Emma Omijie.