The Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to discuss the council's performance in adult social care, review the draft annual report for the committee, and consider the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership's Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy. The meeting was also set to include an update on the development of the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Adult Social Care Performance Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to receive a report detailing the performance of the council's Adult Social Care function. This report was intended to inform ongoing performance management scrutiny and included updates on performance reporting, budgeting, and demand forecasting. Presentations on Public Health Performance and Market Quality were also planned.

The report indicated that for the year 2025-26, admissions to residential and nursing homes for individuals aged 18-64 were performing well and were below the national average. However, for those aged 65 and over, admissions had exceeded the national average, with particular pressure noted in relation to nursing home placements, reflecting increased acuity and potential issues with hospital discharge pathways.

Performance in concluded safeguarding enquiries where Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) questions were asked and outcomes were achieved was reported as good, with over 90% of enquiries having outcomes fully or partially achieved. However, the report identified an area for improvement in the number of people asked about MSP outcomes.

The number of Care Act Assessments completed had increased significantly from the previous year, indicating rising demand for services and additional pressure on social work capacity. Work was underway to review the adult social care front door and embed prevention and early intervention to reduce the need for full Care Act Assessments.

Carer assessments showed a reduction in numbers compared to the same quarter in the previous year, though this was partly attributed to a significant increase in unpaid carers identified and assessed in 2024-25 due to the Accelerating Reform Fund. Improving the uptake of carer assessments and the support offered to carers was identified as an area for focus in the CQC Improvement Plan.

A reporting issue following a system upgrade meant that data on Care Act Reviews was not fully up-to-date, although it was stated that this did not prevent people from receiving reviews. The data for Q2 showed an improvement in the percentage of reviews undertaken compared to the previous year.

Practice audits for Quarter 4 highlighted strengths in areas such as involving individuals in their care, providing clear advice, and completing work within timescales. However, shortfalls were noted in feedback collection, providing copies of documents to individuals, and recording appropriate warnings and alerts. In the Person-Centred Care section, strengths were identified in reflecting individual strengths and assets, and co-producing care and support plans. A significant shortfall was noted in evidence of promoting progression and exploring achievable goals, with outcomes often framed in terms of task completion rather than being explicitly outcome-focused.

The council received 266 complaints during the financial year April 2025 to March 2026, an increase from the previous year, partly due to the implementation of a new social care records system. The majority of complaints related to assessment and care planning, and financial issues around care charging. The report also noted that 68 compliments were received, with staff consistently praised for their kindness, empathy, and person-centred approach.

West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030

The committee was scheduled to receive a report summarising the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy is a joint multi-agency document developed by the Joint North and West Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board.

The strategy aims to address domestic abuse and sexual violence, which remain significant issues across Northamptonshire. In the year ending March 2025, 17,572 DASV-related incidents and crimes were recorded. The report highlighted that women are more likely to experience domestic abuse in private spaces, while men are more likely to be identified as perpetrators. Sexual violence was noted as particularly prevalent among younger age groups. The strategy also acknowledged heightened barriers for disabled victims, LGBTQ+ communities, racially minoritised groups, older victims, and those with insecure immigration status in accessing support and reporting abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 places statutory duties on local authorities, including the provision of safe accommodation and the operation of a Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board. The strategy aims to bring these duties together with national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) priorities and the Serious Violence Duty to establish a unified countywide approach.

The strategy is built on victim and survivor experiences, local needs assessments, and multi-agency consultation, with a deliberate shift towards prevention and early intervention. It is structured around five strategic objectives:

1. Early Intervention and Prevention
2. Support and Protection for All Victims and Survivors
3. Building Trust and Confidence in Services
4. Coordinated Community Response and Partnership Working
5. Holding Perpetrators to Account

The strategy will be delivered through a multi-year action plan, monitored by the Joint Partnership Board, with annual reviews and adaptations to respond to emerging needs. The Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) for both West and North Northamptonshire play a vital role in delivering and supporting the DASV Strategy.

Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Draft Annual Report

The committee was scheduled to receive and review the Draft Annual Report for the 2025-26 municipal year. This report provides an overview of the committee's work, key areas scrutinised, and achievements during the year. It was noted that a major item for the committee had been the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Services, which resulted in a rating of requires improvement. The report indicated that monitoring the improvement in Adult Services would be a significant focus for the committee moving forward. Other areas of scrutiny mentioned included the Casey Commission's development of a roadmap for a National Care Service, developing closer working relationships with the Integrated Care Board, and receiving reports on public health and health inequalities. The report also highlighted the Community Safety Partnership Annual Report and the close working between partner members.

Development of the Committee Work Programme 2026-27

A verbal update was scheduled to be provided by the Democratic Services Officer regarding the development of the committee's work programme for the 2026-27 municipal year. This would outline planned activities and areas of focus for the committee in the upcoming year.