The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026. The committee discussed and scrutinised several key reports, including extensions for advocacy and housing-related support services, an overview of the Early Action and Support Service, and the Adult Social Care Delivery Plan for 2026-2028. The committee also reviewed performance reporting for the 2025-26 financial year and its own work programme.

Advocacy Services Extension

The committee considered a report on the extension of the Lincolnshire Independent Advocacy Services contract. This service, jointly commissioned by Adult Care and Community Wellbeing and Children's Services, provides advocacy for vulnerable adults, children, and young people. The current contract with provider Voiceability was due to expire at the end of June 2026. A seven-month extension, valued at just under £685,000, was sought to allow for the finalisation of commissioning work for the future scope and design of advocacy services. This extension is particularly important due to upcoming legislative changes, notably the Mental Health Act 2025, which is expected to increase demand for advocacy services. Councillors raised questions about the future commissioning process, the potential for staff transfers, and the specific implications of the Mental Health Act 2025, including potential increases in demand and the need for additional resources. The committee noted that the recommissioning process would involve a full tender, and proposals would be brought back to the committee in June or July. The committee ultimately supported the recommendation to the Executive for the contract extension.

Housing Related Support Contract Extension

The committee also reviewed a report concerning the extension of the Housing Related Support (HRS) contract. This service provides short-term support to vulnerable adults with substance misuse and/or mental health concerns who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The current contract was set to expire on 30 September 2026, with future service provision to be considered by the Executive in June 2026 following a 12-week consultation. The report sought approval for a six-month extension to the contract to prevent service disruption and ensure continuity pending the decision on future delivery. Councillors questioned the necessity of an extension rather than earlier planning, and officers explained that extensive work on future commissioning and consultation had taken place. Concerns were raised about the impact of previous 12-month extensions and the need for earlier planning in the future. The committee was assured that the consultation findings would be presented in May, ahead of the Executive's decision in June. The committee supported the recommendation for the six-month extension.

Adult Social Care Delivery Plan 2026-2028

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Adult Social Care Delivery Plan for 2026-2028. This plan outlines how the council will implement its Adult Social Care Strategy, which focuses on a strengths-based, person-centred approach encompassing prevention, early action, safeguarding, digital integration, and financial sustainability. Martin Parker, Assistant Director of Public Protection, presented the plan, highlighting its alignment with the council's vision for people to remain healthy, safe, and independent within their communities. The plan details 14 strategic commitments, including co-production, early action and support, direct payments, digital technologies, partnership working, workforce development, and accommodation. Councillors sought clarification on performance metrics, the definition of direct payments, and the inclusion of children's services in the plan. There was also discussion about the challenges of increasing demand, the rising costs of care, and the importance of community-based solutions and digital innovation. The committee expressed a desire for more detailed metrics on cost savings and the impact of preventative measures. The committee reviewed and endorsed the Service Delivery Plan as the mechanism for implementing the Adult Social Care Strategy.

Early Action and Support Service Overview

Theo Jarrett, Head of Early Action and Support, provided an overview of the preventative services within the Adult Care and Community Wellbeing Directorate. This service aims to empower individuals to manage their own needs and reduce reliance on formal care. The report detailed the work of the Carers Service, Wellbeing Service, Information and Advice provision, Digital initiatives, and Community Opportunities. Key performance figures were presented, including the number of carers supported and the high success rate of the Wellbeing Service in preventing the need for formal social care. Councillors raised questions about the timescales for receiving support, the nature of volunteer support, and the challenges faced by carers in accessing respite and home care. The committee discussed the financial savings generated by these preventative services and the importance of demonstrating their value in pound, shillings, and pence. The committee noted the work of the service and its role in providing effective secondary prevention solutions.

Service Level Performance Reporting

The committee reviewed the Service Level Performance Reporting against the Performance Framework for 2025-26 as at Quarter 3. The report detailed performance across Adult Care and Specialist Adult Services, as well as Public Health and Community Wellbeing. Several indicators were noted as exceeding or meeting their targets, including successful alcohol treatment completions, NHS Health Checks uptake, and carer support reviews. However, concerns were raised about the increase in permanent admissions to residential and nursing care homes for those aged 65+, and a decline in the number of people receiving long-term support who had been reviewed. The committee also noted that the smoking cessation target was not being met, although the new focus on the proportion of the local smoking population setting a quit date was being met. The committee was asked to consider and comment on this performance report.

Adult Care & Public Health Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Finally, the committee reviewed its forward work programme. Members requested that a report on alternatives to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Investment Fund, and the implications of its funding withdrawal, be added to the programme. The committee agreed to the proposed work programme. Hannah Colclough, the Scrutiny Officer, was thanked for her work as this was her last meeting with the committee.