Agenda item

The Corporate Director of Adult Social Care will be in attendance to present an overview of Adult Social Care Services.

An overview presentation was delivered by the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health.

The presentation provided an overview of Adult Social Care and Health priorities for 2026/27, including preparation for the Care Quality Commission inspection framework, progression of the Adult Social Care improvement plan, improving data quality, and continuing to work with health partners within a changing system landscape. Members were also advised of ongoing work to develop the Adult Social Care vision and strategy, strengthen partnerships, and support workforce development through the Care Academy.

Members were informed of a range of current projects and priorities, including support for unpaid carers, digital inclusion, co‑production, transitions, homelessness prevention and pathways, domestic abuse commissioning, and the development of technology‑enabled care through initiatives such as the Smart House. The presentation also outlined key challenges facing the service, including financial pressures, provider market sufficiency, workforce capacity, transitions, increasing demand, and the need to respond to legislative and system changes.

During discussion, Members sought clarification on the potential role of Regional Care Cooperatives and their applicability within Adult Social Care. It was explained that while such models were being promoted within children’s services, adult social care operated within a different context. Members were advised that there was already a programme of regional collaboration across the North East, supported by Directors of Adult Social Services, and that Regional Care Cooperatives were not currently considered to offer significant additional value within adult services.

Members queried the range of support available for unpaid carers. It was reported that support included peer support groups, direct payments, psychological support, bespoke carer offers, and partnership working with local carers organisations. Members were also advised of an online, 24‑hour support service available to carers, providing access to advice and expert support. Information was provided on how carers were identified and supported, including the use of carers conversations, awareness‑raising activity, and campaigns to encourage people to recognise themselves as carers.

Members raised concerns regarding digital inclusion, particularly for older residents, and the potential for digital exclusion. It was acknowledged that while the Council’s customer strategy included a digital‑by‑default approach, Adult Social Care continued to recognise the need for alternative access routes and support to ensure residents were not excluded.

Clarification was sought on transitions from children’s to adult services. Members were advised that the age at which Adult Social Care became involved depended on individual levels of need, typically between ages 16 and 18. It was noted that transitions remained a complex area, particularly for young people leaving residential care without ongoing care and support needs, and that further work was underway to improve arrangements and outcomes.

Members commented positively on developments at Levick House, noting early challenges but welcoming the progress made, including improvements to facilities and outdoor space. The Corporate Director also advised of an ongoing programme of site visits with the Executive Member and invited Members to participate in future visits, including to the Smart House, to better understand service delivery in practice.

AGREED that the presentation be noted.