Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 November 2025 were taken as read, confirmed and signed.

The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been received under Standing Order 35.

The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been received under Standing Order 7(3) and 7(5).

There were no urgent items for consideration.

The Chairman invited members who wished to do so to declare any interest in respect of items on the agenda for the meeting.

Mr. Innes declared an Other Registrable Interest in that he is a trustee of Melton Mencap.

There were no declarations of the party whip.

The Chief Executive reported that no petitions had been received under Standing Order 36.

The Committee considered a joint report of the Director of Adults and Communities and Director of Corporate Resources which provided information on the proposed 2026/27 to 2029/30 Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) as it related to the Adults and Communities Department. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 8’ is filed with these minutes.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Carl Abbott, Cabinet Lead Member for Adults and Communities (Adult Social Care), and Mr. Kevin Crook, Cabinet Lead Member for Adults and Communities (Heritage, Libraries and Adult Learning), to the meeting for the item.

Arising from discussion, the following points were made:

Service Transformation

i.          The Director reported that the section on service transformation did not directly address the work Newton were undertaking but reflected the strategic direction of services that the Department and Council had established. He explained that Newton’s work appeared later in the report under efficiency savings and formed part of a corporate efficiency programme looking at potential savings over the medium term, which was separate from the service transformation strategy developed the previous year, which was driving the main budget assumptions around older adult growth.

ii.          Members noted that Leicestershire had a higher proportion of residents aged over 65 than many areas and asked whether the Council had accounted for the risk of more people becoming non‑self‑funders. The Director confirmed the risk was included in growth projections and reflected in financial forecasting. He added that, although some forecasts suggested future change, many older adults currently still had rising disposable income from pensions and property. While the possibility of more people moving from self‑funding to Council‑funded care remained a risk, it was monitored annually for any significant changes.

Proposed Revenue Budget, Other Changes and Transfers

Growth

iii.          A Member highlighted the sharp rise in average cost per service user at the start of each financial year. The Director explained this reflected the annual fee review, where provider rates were uplifted due to National Living Wage pressures and CPI‑linked inflation. Each year the department reviewed market rates and applied an inflationary factor in April, causing the initial spike. He added that, unlike in 2021 and 2022 when costs rose throughout the year, the Department had recently kept in‑year average costs relatively stable.

iv.          A Member raised concern that no inflationary increases were built into the budget. The Director explained that, in line with corporate policy, inflation was held centrally in a contingency rather than within departmental budgets. Each year, approved allocations for living wage and general inflation were released to departments, which would be reflected across the four‑year MTFS. The Member accepted this but asked that future reports include a breakdown of cost increases to clarify the underlying drivers.

v.          A Member asked why the cost per service user had risen by 41% when general inflation increased by only 21%, with a further 12% rise since April 2024. The Director explained that adult social care inflation consistently ran at two to three times general inflation, driven mainly by significant increases in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage in recent years. He advised that a Use of Resources report in March 2026 would include further information, noting typical social care inflation of 12-14% per year. Although Leicestershire’s rate was lower than the national average, it remained well above general inflation. He added that recent rises in National Insurance contributions had also increased provider costs, which were reflected in higher Council payments.

vi.          Members noted that service user contributions in Leicestershire were higher than the national average and asked whether further increases  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources, on the proposed procurement of the Dementia Support Service (DSS) and associated key performance indicators for the service. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 9’ is filed with these minutes.

Arising from discussion, the following points were made:

i.          A Member sought clarity on the future of the Age UK contract, data on people with dementia and self‑funders, and support available to unpaid carers. Furthermore, it was queried whether engagement had taken place with community initiatives and how fairness across City and County areas would be ensured. Officers confirmed the tender would be issued in April with a provider appointed by June/July, for which Age UK might reapply, but other organisations could also bid. The service would remain jointly commissioned but include distinct county and city elements. Contract monitoring would cover activity, outcomes, and geographic spread, and adjustments could be made to ensure the service targeted priority areas. Furthermore, informal carers already received some support through the service and could access the wider carers offer following assessment. Engagement had occurred with groups through the commissioning review, and usage data confirmed the County received its fair share over the geographical spread.

ii.          A Member raised concern over the lack of index‑linked uplifts for the duration of contracts, which might make provision of services unviable for smaller providers. Concern was further raised over city‑centric delivery, Age UK branding suitability for younger people with early onset dementia, insufficient support for male carers, and the importance of accessible in-person guidance and financial advice was expressed, particularly in rural areas. Officers acknowledged the issues raised and stated that the contract would expect providers to work in rural and hard‑to‑reach areas, potentially through community venues such as libraries. It was confirmed that carers' support and alignment with the wider carers review were essential elements of the new contract. Officers highlighted service review findings and noted that a two‑lot model would better tailor county needs while retaining shared elements. Officers also acknowledged the importance of early‑onset dementia, financial advice, and branding considerations.

iii.          A representative from Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire reported frequent public concerns about delays in the dementia diagnostic pathway and gaps in practical support, including issues around driving, legal matters such as power of attorney, and unclear links with GPs, and stressed the need for a clear pre-diagnosis offer. Also requested was the need for a specific lived‑experience focus group, clarity on cross‑border access, funding mechanisms for small community groups, and reassurance that tender timelines supported safe staff transition. Officers confirmed that timelines were tight but achievable, including provisions for TUPE where required. Also confirmed was subcontracting or light-touch grant arrangements for community groups were under consideration, and that cross‑border coordination would be managed. Officers confirmed that engagement with people with lived experience would continue and be targeted appropriately.

RESOLVED:

That the report on the Recommissioning of Dementia Support be noted.

The Committee considered a report for information by the Director of Adults and Communities, which provided an update of the progress made to deliver the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Improvement Plan. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 10’ is filed with these minutes.

RESOLVED:

That the update report on the Care Quality Commission Improvement Plan be noted.

The next meeting of the Adults and Communities OSC is scheduled to take place on 2 March 2026, at 2.00pm.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on 2 March 2026, at 2.00pm.