The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the draft Council Plan for 2026-30, review the committee's work programme, and address questions to the Portfolio Holder and NHS representatives. Key discussions included the strategic direction of the council, the integration of health and social care services, and the ongoing development of the Council Plan, with particular focus on adult social care and health objectives.

Council Plan 2026-30

The committee reviewed the draft Council Plan for 2026-30, titled 'Recalibrating Warwickshire'. This strategic document outlines the council's ambition to foster a thriving local economy, support families, and ensure children have the best start in life, with a core mission to improve services, build better local government, and transform for the future. The plan is structured around six areas of focus: 'People' (happy, healthy and safe children; healthy, happy and independent lives; and educational opportunities, sufficient places and SEND provision) and 'Places' (economic growth, jobs and skills; highways and transport; and vibrant places, safe communities and environment). These are underpinned by four common goals: value for money, optimising technology and innovation, driving community power, and being a great employer.

During the discussion, councillors raised several points regarding the plan's content and implementation. Councillor John Holland questioned the inclusion of the Casey Commission¹ as a national driver, suggesting it could significantly impact future service shapes. Becky Hale responded that while the commission's recommendations are still emerging, its potential impact on adult social care warrants its inclusion as a driver, with specific engagement planned for the delivery plan. Councillor Tracey Drew highlighted the need to acknowledge the 'Growing Up Online' report² in relation to children's mental health, which Dr Shade Agboola confirmed was covered within the broader themes of the plan.

There was considerable debate about the balance between promoting personal responsibility and the council's role in enabling healthy choices. Councillor Barker noted that the plan could be perceived as paternalistic, while Dr Agboola argued that the council has a role in creating environments that facilitate healthy choices, citing examples like accessible walking routes and healthier food options in supermarkets. The discussion also touched upon the challenges of modern lifestyles and the need for policy to adapt to socio-economic changes.

Councillor Tracey Drew specifically requested that 'Active Travel' be mentioned in the highways and transport section of the plan, a suggestion that was met with support. Councillor Kate Rolfe raised concerns about affordability, stating that many families cannot afford choices like leisure centre memberships, and that the plan should address the fundamental issue of poverty. Dr Agboola acknowledged this, emphasising the need for affordable options and education to empower individuals to make healthy choices.

The potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on the Council Plan was also discussed. Councillor John Holland suggested reviewing the plan after the government's announcement on the future structure of local government in Warwickshire, expected in July, to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Work Programme and Future Meeting Dates

The committee reviewed its work programme, with a particular focus on bringing forward discussions on 'damp and mould in social and private rented housing' and a 'lockdown/COVID overview' with the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Jo Barker, Chair of the committee, expressed a desire to expedite these topics, noting that many NHS-related items had been delayed due to 'Purda'³ restrictions.

Councillor Kate Rolfe proposed adding a regular briefing on NHS winter preparations and a review of how these preparations fared, which was agreed. The committee also discussed combining the 'Carers' Sport and Respite' item with other carer-related discussions.

Several new items were suggested for inclusion or further consideration:

• A briefing on dementia diagnosis and support.
• A briefing on menopause services.
• A discussion on the abolition of Healthwatch and the transition to new arrangements for patient voice.
• A review of older adults' mental health beds and the 'Hospital at Home' provision, following concerns raised about potential bed reductions.

The committee agreed to recommend the updated Work Programme for approval.

Questions to the Portfolio Holder and NHS

Questions to the Portfolio Holder: Councillor Max Langer raised concerns about the capacity of GP surgeries in Kenilworth, noting that existing provision was at its limit. Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, confirmed that discussions were ongoing with Warwick District Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire ICB⁴ regarding a potential health and wellbeing centre. She also highlighted that Section 106 developer contributions were being sought to support increased capacity linked to population growth.

Councillor Langer also enquired about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Adult Social Care to address overspends. Councillor Sonko explained that work was underway to expand assistive and digital technology, including AI-enabled activity monitoring in the Reablement Service, to support independent living. The committee would be kept updated on planned developments and their financial benefits.

Questions to the NHS: Rose Uwins from the Coventry and Warwickshire ICB responded to questions regarding the development of a Health Centre at Upper Lighthorne and the Ellen Badger Hospital. For Upper Lighthorne, she confirmed that a temporary GP surgery was planned for early 2027 due to slower-than-expected housing delivery, with existing local practices having capacity to manage demand in the interim. Regarding Ellen Badger Hospital, she detailed the range of health and community services available, confirming that Shipston Medical Centre would operate from the first floor under a long-term lease.

Councillor Pamela Redford emphasised the importance of planning healthcare infrastructure in light of substantial housing growth proposed in the Stratford and Warwick Joint Local Plan.

Older Adults Hospital at Home Provision

The committee discussed proposed enhancements to older adults' mental health services by the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT), focusing on the 'Hospital at Home' model. While CWPT presented the model as a way to strengthen community-based care, improve equity of access, and deliver care in line with national policy, several councillors expressed strong concerns. Councillor John Holland voiced opposition, questioning the adequacy of consultation and the suitability of 'Hospital at Home' for individuals with dementia. Councillor Kate Rolfe also opposed the proposals, citing concerns about the loss of Woodloes House, the scale of planned housing growth, and the limited availability of social prescribers. Councillor David Johnston echoed concerns about access for residents in the south of the county.

The committee voted on recommendations related to the proposals. Members unanimously voted to note the contents of the report and to be assured of progress against national and local mandates for shifting care to community settings. However, by a vote of one in favour to eight against, the committee resolved not to endorse the approach to improving equity of access for older adults and enhancing service provision.

National Oversight Framework (NOF)

Representatives from South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT), George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust (GEH), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW), and Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) provided updates on their performance against the National Oversight Framework (NOF). The NOF is used to assess the performance of NHS providers, placing them into one of four segments based on their challenges.

SWFT was in Segment 2, with strong performance in patient safety and experience but facing challenges in finance and productivity. GEH, despite initial placement in Segment 4, had shown marked improvement and was now in Segment 3, capped due to a forecast financial deficit. UHCW had also significantly improved its ranking, moving from 134th nationally to 96th, and was also capped in Segment 3 due to a deficit plan. CWPT had improved its data accuracy and was focusing on crisis services, with sickness absence remaining an area for attention.

Councillor Max Langer requested that findings relating to the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) also be shared with the committee for a comprehensive overview.

Draft Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31

Alex Duckett, Public Health Service Manager – Strategic Partnerships, introduced the draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The strategy aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, prevent ill-health, and reduce health inequalities across Warwickshire. Development involved engagement with Place-based Health and Wellbeing Partnerships, focusing on strengthening local roles, the wider determinants of health, and shared ownership. A presentation summarising the strategy's development and themes was to be circulated to members.