The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, to discuss the progress of the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme and receive an update on Lancashire Constabulary's Right Care, Right Person initiative. Key decisions included the agreement to provide further information on housing and drop-in session locations, schedule a future report on housing provision, and request data on A&E attendances for mental health crises.

Community Mental Health Transformation Programme Update

The committee received a comprehensive update on the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme, a collaborative effort between Lancashire County Council (LCC), Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT), and the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Amanda Murphy, Head of Operations, presented on the programme's progress in improving access to mental health services.

Key achievements highlighted included:

• Integrated Hub Model: The establishment of district-based community hubs and enhanced multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to streamline access to services and ensure individuals receive support from the most appropriate professionals. These hubs aim to provide a no wrong door approach, with referrals accepted from any professional.
• Strengths-Based Practice: The adoption of the Living Better Lives in Lancashire model and LSCFT's Dialogue Plus approach, both emphasising strengths-based practice and person-centred care.
• Improved Access and Visibility: The development of accommodation pathways, including step-down facilities like Lady Elsie Finney House and Holland House, and commissioned tier one accommodation. Outreach activity, including the use of a Public Health Bus, has increased visibility and accessibility of services within communities.
• Partnership Working: Significant emphasis was placed on collaboration with the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, with World Café events and joint commissioning initiatives fostering stronger relationships and shared understanding.
• All-Age Services: Mental health services have been restructured into an all-age model, replacing separate teams for working-age and older adults.

Nicola Johnstone, Associate Director of Social Work at LSCFT, provided an update on work relating to housing and homelessness, noting that these issues are intrinsically linked to mental health. An improvement plan has been developed to address fragmentation, with achievements including a detailed roles and responsibilities framework and progress in reducing delays to hospital discharges. A pilot scheme, Tier 1 accommodation, has been commissioned to support individuals leaving hospital due to housing barriers.

Members raised several points and questions:

• Access and Referrals: It was clarified that referrals to enhanced MDTs can be made by any professional, not just GPs, and that the process is not a postcode lottery. MDTs meet regularly, and there are currently no waiting lists for these non-urgent cases. Members requested details on hub and service locations to understand accessibility.
• Stigma and Community Engagement: The ongoing stigma surrounding mental health in some communities was discussed, with a need for better access to both mental health and social care services. Officers highlighted co-production efforts with the voluntary sector, community engagement, and World Café sessions to identify barriers and improve visibility.
• Voluntary Sector Engagement: Concerns were raised about the awareness and equal partnership of the voluntary, community, and faith sector. Officers detailed mapping exercises, surveys, and workshops conducted with Mind to identify and engage with VCFSE organisations. Training opportunities and representation on the Community Transformation Board were also mentioned.
• Student and Transient Populations: Officers confirmed that while no specific student pathway exists, students living in the area are supported through existing health and social care services, with links maintained with universities.
• Funding Pressures: Members expressed concern about increasing demand and capacity outstripping funding, particularly with inflationary pressures. Officers acknowledged significant financial challenges for the ICB but affirmed a commitment to prioritising mental health funding and focusing on value for money and early intervention.
• Drop-in Sessions: Members requested better publicity for informal drop-in sessions to share information with constituents. Officers agreed to review communications strategies.
• Housing Provision: The national shortage of suitable housing, including supported accommodation, was acknowledged. Officers outlined ongoing work to maximise existing provision and strengthen partnerships, particularly in Preston, while recognising remaining gaps.
• Psychological Therapies: Waiting times for psychological therapies were discussed, with national targets aiming for assessment within six weeks. While local performance is generally strong, longer waits exist for specialist therapies, with workforce recruitment and training identified as key to reducing delays.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Report: Members referenced CQC findings regarding partnership working, workforce morale, and assessment backlogs. Officers explained that since the inspection, progress had been made, including a memorandum of understanding with the ICB, and that new outcome-focused performance measures would be introduced.
• A&E as Place of Safety: Concerns were raised about the use of A&E departments as places of safety for mental health crises, highlighting potential delays and inappropriate environments. Officers outlined work to strengthen crisis services and reduce reliance on A&E, with members requesting supporting data.

The committee resolved to request further information on housing and hub locations, informal drop-in sessions, and data on A&E attendances for mental health crises. They also endorsed the development of outcome-focused performance information and the advocacy role.

Lancashire Constabulary - Right Care, Right Person Update

Martin Storey, Superintendent at Lancashire Police, provided a briefing on the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) policy. Introduced in 2022, the policy aims to ensure that concern for safety reports are directed to the most appropriate agency. The police will attend where there is an immediate risk to life or serious harm, or under Articles 2 or 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Decisions are risk-led, not resource-led.

The briefing detailed the police call-handling model, including emergency, priority, routine, standard, and telephone resolution responses, and the use of the THRIVE+ assessment process. Over the past year, approximately 35,000 concern for safety incidents were received, with police attendance deployed in 63% of cases. Where non-deployment is decided, there is an option for supervisory review, and callers are advised to re-contact if risk levels change. No coroner's notices have been issued regarding RCRP since its implementation.

Partnership working, including Street Triage Teams pairing police officers with mental health professionals, was highlighted as a key element in supporting vulnerable individuals, enabling shared decision-making and diversion where appropriate. The use of diversionary panels and liaison and diversion services within the criminal justice system was also discussed to support vulnerable individuals and reduce repeat contact with the police. It was confirmed that police attendance remains risk-based, and that responses are determined by risk, not geography.

Report of the Health Scrutiny Steering Group

Members received an overview of the Health Scrutiny Steering Group meetings held on 24 February and 7 April 2026. The Steering Group discussed updates from Healthwatch Lancashire, the NHS Quality Impact Assessment Review, and the University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Trust. They also reviewed the Better Care Fund, noting its role as a funding mechanism for integration and the challenges in data collection for delayed discharges. Concerns were raised about the life expectancy gap for people with learning disabilities and the potential use of Better Care Fund resources for mental health advocacy.

Resolved: That the report of the Health Scrutiny Steering Group be received.

Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee and Steering Group Work Programmes 2025/26

The Committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year. As this was the final full meeting of the municipal year, a session would be arranged after the Annual General Meeting of Full Council in May to discuss and agree the work programme for 2026/27.

Resolved: That the work programmes and recommendations responses be reviewed.