The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to consider plans for the recommissioning of short breaks and emergency respite services, and to review the annual report of the Principal Social Worker. The committee will also discuss its work programme for the coming year.

Short Breaks Re-Commissioning Plan

The committee is invited to consider the Short Breaks Re-Commissioning Plan¹. This plan outlines proposals for the future commissioning of short breaks and emergency respite services for adults with assessed eligible needs. The current contracts for these services, provided by Making Space from two council-owned buildings, Swallow Lodge in North Hykeham and Cedar House in Spalding, are due to expire on 31 August 2026.

The report suggests a move away from the current model to a service delivered across a wider geographic area, offering greater choice and access to a more varied provider base. The proposed redesigned model would align pricing with the existing residential and nursing framework's banded structure, using a block payment approach underpinned by a 75% retainer fee for reserved beds. The recommendation is to approve a procurement process to commission planned short breaks and emergency respite services within established, registered residential and nursing care settings, inclusive of twelve beds at up to twelve locations, for an initial period of three years, with the option to extend for two further periods of up to twelve months. The total value for this would be £3,766,956. The Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health is due to make a decision on this plan between 5 and 13 May 2026, and the committee's views will be reported to them.

Principal Social Worker Annual Report

The committee is also scheduled to review the Principal Social Worker's Annual Report for 2025-26². This report provides an overview of the Principal Social Worker's (PSW) activities and their impact on social work practice within Adult Care. The PSW, Chris Erskine, has a statutory leadership role in overseeing the quality, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of social work practice.

The report details achievements in areas such as practice quality, with a high compliance rate in Quality Practice Assurance Reviews (QPARs), and workforce development, including apprenticeships and leadership programmes. It also highlights progress in embedding strengths-based approaches through the Better Lives model and improvements to the Direct Payments system. The report covers preparations for Care Quality Commission (CQC) assurance and outlines priorities for the upcoming year, including continued focus on strengths-based practice, workforce development, and co-production. The committee is invited to endorse the report and seek assurances regarding the PSW's role, acknowledge progress made, consider identified challenges, and support the priorities for the year ahead.

Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Finally, the committee will consider its work programme³. This agenda item provides an opportunity for members to review and comment on the planned scrutiny activities, ensuring that the committee's focus remains on areas where it can have the greatest impact. The work programme is reviewed at each meeting to maintain its relevance and contribution to the council's work. Members are encouraged to suggest additional topics for consideration, particularly those aligned with key priorities in adult care and public health, such as adult safeguarding, prevention, mental health, support for carers, and the sustainability of the care market. The forward plan of key decisions within the committee's remit is also attached for review.