The Health Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss the Orchard Project's dementia research, substance misuse needs in North Northamptonshire, and Disabled Facilities Grants. The committee endorsed the ongoing progress of the Orchard Project, noted the updated substance misuse strategy and new service model, and approved the continued provision of Disabled Facilities Grants.

The Orchard Project: Dementia Research

The committee received an update on the Orchard Project, a four-year initiative aimed at improving dementia care provision and awareness in North Northamptonshire. Professor Jackie Parkes from the University of Northampton, alongside Clare Davies (PhD student) and Natasha Bays (researcher), presented the project's progress. The project, in its second year, is working in partnership with the Autumn Centre in Corby to align its services with contemporary dementia-friendly practices.

Key aspects of the project include:

• Co-design and co-production: Working with trustees, staff, and service users of the Autumn Centre.
• Phased approach: The project is currently at the end of phase two, which involves community-focused workshops and engagement with diverse communities.
• PhD studentship: Clare Davies' research focuses on the lived experience of spousal or partner carers transitioning to unpaid caregiving for a partner with dementia. Her data collection is complete, and she is now analysing the findings.
• Future plans: Phase three will focus on designing and developing an early intervention service within the Autumn Centre for individuals with newly diagnosed dementia or mild cognitive impairment. The project also aims to establish a hub and spoke model to roll out learnings across North Northamptonshire.

Members of the committee expressed interest in the project's impact, particularly regarding younger onset dementia and the challenges faced by carers. Councillor Lee Duffy highlighted the council's support for the Autumn Centre, noting that it is one of the Chair of North Northamptonshire Council's chosen charities. The committee unanimously endorsed the ongoing research and best practice of the Orchard Project and requested a further update next year.

Substance Misuse Needs in North Northamptonshire

Helene Denness, Deputy Director of Public Health, Steve Oakley, Head of Public Health Commissioning, and Alison Snelling, Services Manager for Change Grow Live, presented an update on substance misuse needs and the new service model for North Northamptonshire. From April 2026, North Northamptonshire Council will commission its own substance misuse services, moving away from the previous joint commissioning with West Northamptonshire Council.

Key points discussed included:

• Escalating need and funding: Dame Carol Black's report, From Harm to Hope, highlighted escalating need alongside reduced funding. However, increased government investment has now become part of the ring-fenced public health grant.
• Local priorities: The Northamptonshire Combatting Drugs Partnership has identified priorities including increasing treatment engagement (particularly for underrepresented groups), improving the prisoner release process, increasing residential rehabilitation and inpatient detox places, reducing drug-related deaths, and early intervention for young people and families.
• New service model: From April 2026, services will be delivered through two main contracts: Adult Treatment and Recovery Services, led by Change Grow Live (CGL), and Children and Young People's Substance Misuse Services, delivered by Aquarius.
• Partnerships: CGL will work with partners including The Forward Trust (for day rehabilitation and Lived Experience Recovery Organisations - LEROs), Family Support Link (for family and carer support), and Release (for legal advice).
• Prevention: The importance of prevention, particularly for young people, was emphasised, with a focus on empowering young people to make informed decisions rather than a just say no approach.
• Challenges: Discussions touched upon the difficulties in reaching underserved communities, the rise of new substances like ketamine, and the impact of recreational drug use, such as cocaine, which can be harder to identify.

The committee noted the report and the comprehensive plans for improving substance misuse services in North Northamptonshire.

Disabled Facilities Grants

Amy Plank, Head of Private Sector Housing, provided an annual update on the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs). These grants are a statutory requirement, funded by central government, to help disabled individuals remain living independently in their own homes, thereby reducing the need for hospital admissions or care home placements.

Key information shared included:

• Purpose and scope: DFGs fund adaptations such as stairlifts, level access showers, and extensions, with mandatory grants capped at £30,000 and a discretionary top-up of up to £20,000 available.
• Budget and expenditure: For the financial year 2024/25, North Northamptonshire Council was allocated £3,178,726, with £2,688,000 spent. A significant carry-forward amount exists due to the time-intensive nature of grant delivery.
• Improvements: The council has made improvements in reducing waiting times for Occupational Therapy assessments and is working to streamline the application process. A new Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy, approved in January 2025, aims to expedite delivery and introduce new discretionary measures.
• Challenges: Issues with contractor availability and the specialised nature of adaptation works were highlighted. The council is actively working to expand its list of approved contractors and has introduced a condition for contractors to start works within four weeks.
• Fast-tracking for critical cases: For conditions like Motor Neurone Disease (MND), the council has implemented a fast-track process, removing means testing and prioritising these critical cases to ensure comfort during the final stages of life.

Councillor Kirk Harrison praised the DFG service as a good news story that makes a significant difference in people's lives. The committee unanimously approved noting the report, recognising the council's fulfilment of its statutory obligations and its commitment to supporting residents' independence.

Health Scrutiny Work Plan

The committee reviewed the forward plan for health scrutiny. Two items remained outstanding for the year: quality reports for Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Councillor Leon Gibbs noted that the Lifestyle Service contract, due to go to executive next month, might be too late for scrutiny to review before its implementation. It was agreed that the Scrutiny Officer would liaise with Jane Bethea and Councillor Benningworth to find a suitable time for the committee to consider this significant contract. David Watts also informed the committee that the council's draft improvement plan, following a CQC local authority assessment report, would be coming to the committee for pre-decision scrutiny. The meeting concluded at 9:18 pm.