The Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday 23 April 2026. The meeting's agenda included a review of the committee's draft annual report, an examination of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030, and a performance monitoring report for Adult Social Care. The committee was also due to discuss the development of its work programme for the upcoming year.

Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Draft Annual Report 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to receive and consider the Draft Annual Report for 2025-26. This report, presented by Councillor Bob Purser, Chair of the Committee, was expected to outline the committee's activities and achievements during the municipal year. The report highlighted the committee's focus on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) inspection of Adult Services, which resulted in a rating of requires improvement. It also indicated plans to monitor the improvement plan for Adult Services and to develop closer working relationships with the Integrated Care Board. The report also mentioned the review of the Community Safety Partnership Annual Report and the intention to scrutinise issues related to the transition from Children's Services to Adult Services.

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

A significant item on the agenda was the review of the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy, developed by the Joint North and West Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board, aims to address domestic abuse and sexual violence across both local authority areas. The strategy is built upon victim and survivor experiences, local needs assessments, and multi-agency consultation. It is structured around five key objectives: Early Intervention and Prevention; Support and Protection for All Victims and Survivors; Building Trust and Confidence in Services; Coordinated Community Response and Partnership Working; and Holding Perpetrators to Account. The strategy emphasises a shift towards prevention and early intervention, aiming to challenge harmful attitudes and strengthen community resilience. The report detailed the national and local context of domestic abuse and sexual violence, including statistics on prevalence, victim demographics, and the impact of these issues. It also outlined the proposed performance framework and targets for the strategy's implementation.

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 for the year 2025-26. This report, authored by Ann McGale, Interim Director – Adult Social Care, was intended to inform ongoing performance management scrutiny. The report was expected to cover performance outputs, including corporate and directorate measures, admissions to residential and nursing homes, safeguarding enquiries, Care Act assessments, carer assessments, Care Act reviews, case audits, and complaints. The report highlighted that while the indicator for admissions to residential and nursing homes for 18-64 year-olds was performing well, the figures for those aged 65+ had exceeded the national average, indicating increased pressure in this area, particularly for nursing home placements. The report also noted that performance in Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) outcomes had been good, with over 90% of enquiries achieving desired outcomes. However, it identified an area for improvement in consistently asking MSP questions. The report indicated an increase in Care Act Assessments completed compared to the previous year, reflecting increased demand. It also noted a reduction in carer assessments in the third quarter compared to the same period last year, though this was contextualised by increased identification of unpaid carers supported by the Accelerating Reform Fund. A reporting issue following a system upgrade was noted for Care Act Reviews, but performance for Q2 showed an improvement compared to the previous year. Case audits highlighted strengths in person-centred care and support, but also identified shortfalls in areas such as feedback collection, evidence of providing copies of correspondence, and recording of warnings and alerts. The report also detailed a rise in complaints during the financial year, partly attributed to the implementation of a new social care records system. The majority of complaints related to assessment and care planning, and financial issues.

Development of the Committee Work Programme 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to receive a verbal update from the Democratic Services Officer regarding the development of the Committee Work Programme for the 2026-27 municipal year. This would involve discussions on potential future scrutiny activities and priorities for the committee.