To scrutinise financial outturn against budget savings plans (verbal update).

The committee received a verbal update on the adult social care budget outturn.

The principal points of the subsequent discussion are summarised below:

1. The Corporate Director Community Wellbeing provided an update on the adult social care budget position and advised that activity levels were currently tracking broadly in line with projections. While demand had increased slightly, no significant unexpected pressures had emerged. Members heard that work continued to respond to the findings of the Care Quality Commission inspection and to improve service performance whilst maintaining financial control.

2. The committee heard that managing demand remained a key priority for the service. The Corporate Director Community Wellbeing emphasised the importance of supporting people to live independently in their own homes wherever possible, describing this preventative approach as a central component of both service improvement and financial sustainability.

3. Members noted that savings were being generated through initiatives such as the Care in Your Home programme and through strengthening value for money across commissioned services. It was reported that these measures were placing the directorate in a stronger position to manage budget pressures.

4. The committee heard that changes implemented at the adult social care front door had resulted in more timely assessment and intervention, leading to fewer people remaining on waiting lists. Members were advised that recruitment to key positions had supported this improvement and had contributed to better demand management.

5. In response to questions regarding budget controls, the Corporate Director Community Wellbeing explained that closer collaboration had been established between finance and adult social care teams. This included strengthened oversight arrangements, more rigorous monitoring of expenditure and enhanced scrutiny of care packages and service demand.

6. Members heard that decisions regarding care packages were subject to appropriate governance and authorisation processes to ensure that support remained proportionate to assessed need whilst achieving best value.

7. The committee was advised that the directorate remained confident that projected savings targets would be achieved. Members heard that an external partner had been commissioned to support the identification of further efficiencies and future service delivery models to strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

8. It was noted that a two-year programme of work was underway to support financial stability and service improvement whilst ensuring that residents' care and support needs continued to be appropriately met.

9. Members discussed the importance of early intervention and preventative services. The committee heard that support delivered at a local level, including community-based services, could help prevent escalation of need and reduce future demand on statutory services.

10. The Chair commented that prevention was preferable to cure and welcomed the emphasis placed on early intervention and supporting independence.

11. A committee member raised the challenges facing domiciliary care providers, including workforce recruitment and retention pressures arising from increases in the National Living Wage. The committee heard that attracting and retaining skilled staff remained a significant issue across the care sector.

12. In response, the Corporate Director Community Wellbeing outlined proposals being explored through the Care in Your Home programme. Members heard that the council was considering arrangements with lead providers capable of investing in workforce development and service quality. It was suggested that a more stable provider market could support improved outcomes for residents whilst assisting with long-term financial management.

13. The committee was further advised that future models may provide opportunities for provider staff to undertake broader assessment and support functions, helping to ensure individuals received timely interventions and reducing duplication between services.

The committee noted the update.