Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services concerning the City of London Corporation’s draft Adult Social Care Strategy 2025-29.

Officers highlighted that the strategy was supported by a self-evaluation framework included in the information pack, which provides a comprehensive overview of adult social care services. The strategy complements other existing strategies on unpaid carers, SEND, and homelessness, and is built around a strengths-based, person-centred approach. It emphasises workforce development, strong partnerships with health and community sectors, and ensuring a diverse range of care options. Members were also pointed to the action plan for Year 1 and noted the importance of ongoing service development plans. Officers acknowledged the limited response to the public consultation but emphasised alternative engagement methods, such as a Healthwatch patient panel and a new advisory group launching soon.

A Member raised concerns about the placement of 24 residents in residential care, particularly the 12 of working age. They asked for details on their locations, opportunities for work or volunteering, and plans to reintegrate them into the community. In response, Officers explained that placements are often made near family or in preferred locations like coastal areas. They noted that opportunities for working-age individuals depend on individual assessments and that some are under Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, which restrict movement for safety reasons.

A further question was asked about the education and training for staff, particularly around mental health and anti-racism. Officers responded that the City of London Corporation has a dedicated Principal Social Worker who leads development initiatives, including secondments with other councils and legal training through Edge Training. They confirmed that anti-racist practice standards are in place and that mental health services are commissioned through the East London Foundation Trust. The City provides flexible support for individuals with mental health needs, including direct payments and tailored care arrangements.

A Member raised the issue of how major regeneration projects, such as those at Golden Lane Estate, might impact vulnerable adults. The Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services assured Members that joint planning between housing and social care teams is underway to ensure appropriate support for affected residents.

A Member asked whether the strategy was resilient enough to handle the projected increase in demand, particularly among those over 65. Officers explained that while the older population is growing, the City’s high life expectancy and current service capacity—such as home care and reablement—are sufficient to meet anticipated needs. The strategy is supported by a market sustainability plan that is regularly reviewed.

Members praised the strategy’s values and rigour and asked about the voluntary sector’s capacity to support the strategy. Officers acknowledged the sector’s importance and noted funding sources like the Community Infrastructure Levy and Better Care Fund. They also mentioned a recent grant to Hackney CVS to help build resilience in the voluntary sector. Additionally, Officers clarified that while the market sustainability plan focuses on placements, it does not directly assess voluntary sector capacity.

A Member asked what was new in the strategy, noting that many elements seemed standard. Officers responded that while many approaches, such as the strengths-based model, are not new, the strategy reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving case law and safeguarding reviews.

The Chair concluded by emphasising the strategy’s importance, especially during the current inspection period. They highlighted the significance of integrated health and care arrangements with Hackney and the potential impact of NHS changes. They also encouraged the inclusion of more specific, measurable performance indicators in future reports.

RESOLVED – That Members, approve the draft Adult Social Care Strategy 2025-29 set out in the revised Appendix 1 in the late supplementary pack of the report.