Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Adults and Communities which provided an update on the actions taken following recommendations from a peer review on the effectiveness of the current pathway to adulthood and subsequent Corporate Preparation for Adulthood Review (CPfAR), which was a joint review across Children and Family Services and Adults and Communities Department. A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 8’ is filed with these minutes.

 

The Chairman welcomed the Chairman Mr. Mark Bools, and Spokespersons Mrs Taylor and Mrs Linda Danks of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee to the meeting to hear the presentation of the report.

 

The Chairman further welcomed Mr. C. Abbott, Cabinet Lead Member for Adults and Communities, and Mr. K. Crook, Cabinet Lead Member for Libraries, Heritage, and Adult Learning, to the meeting.

 

Arising from discussion, the following points were made:

 

i.          In response to a query, Members were informed that for the project outcomes were reported regularly to the CPfAR Board. Once the final model was established, additional measures would be implemented to assess the project’s overall effectiveness. The current model was being reviewed to identify barriers and opportunities when considering how best to embed outcome measures for reporting to the Board, Senior Management Team, and the Committee. The final design phase would be completed by mid-October, after which new ways of working would be implemented towards the end of the year.

 

ii.          A Member questioned given the shortage of suitable housing, how the housing options challenge would be addressed. It was noted the shortage of housing was primarily within the remit of district councils and housing associations. The Assistant Director explained that the Council would work with developers and housing associations to identify and develop suitable properties. There were currently strategic partnerships in place to support the development of new provision for adults with disabilities, including supported living and residential options, and the focus was on working with housing associations and specialist developers to create step-through facilities, enabling young people to progress towards greater independence.

 

iii.          A Member questioned, with additional staffing and resources, how changes would result in savings. The Assistant Director informed Members the saving were anticipated through early intervention and increased support for young people, enabling them to achieve greater independence as they transitioned to adulthood. By identifying needs earlier and providing targeted support, the aim was to reduce the need for high-cost placements in adulthood. For example, if an intervention reduced a care package by £200 per week, it represented a significant long-term saving. Net savings would be detailed in the October report, alongside the development of a commissioning model to incentivise providers and the market.

 

iv.          A Member queried whether the work around the early identification of individuals in need had already commenced, irrespective of whether the report had been formally adopted. Members were reassured that work had already begun, and that it was recognised that relying solely on EHCPs to identify young people requiring transition support was no longer effective due to the increasing number of EHCPs issued. Digital solutions were being explored to improve identification methods. A workshop had been held to evaluate potential tools, which would be piloted in the coming months independently of the review’s formal adoption.

 

v.          Whilst the review was not solely focused on care leavers, they were a key consideration. The review primarily addressed transitions for young people with learning disabilities, autism, or physical health needs. However, there was overlap, and support for care-experienced young people, for example grants for university band further education, would remain integral to ongoing work.

 

vi.          A Member inquired about the number of children included in the review and the types of disabilities presented. The Assistant Director advised that the cohort comprised young people with learning disabilities, autism, and physical or sensory impairments who met adult social care eligibility criteria. As of 2025, over 7,000 young people had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), though not all would qualify for adult social care under the criteria.

 

vii.          The Young Adults with Disabilities (YAD) team was already in place and supported children and young people transitioning to adult services. Approximately 500 young people were currently estimated to be part of the cohort, based on analysis undertaken as part of the workstream. Detailed findings would be shared with Members following the meeting, with further updates on infrastructure and processes to be presented to Scrutiny in due course.

 

viii.          Concern was raised regarding the use of digital solutions in the process, noting that not all disabled individuals (young or old) had access to or could effectively use digital platforms. It was clarified that the reference to digital solutions was specifically regarding tools used for identifying the appropriate cohort of young people who required transition from children’s to adult services, and was not intended that young people themselves use digital platforms to self-identify.

 

ix.          It was queried that, despite the programme being identified as a source of savings within the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), there were no financial projections to aid Members to assess the value of the project. Members further referenced the forthcoming local government reorganisation (LGR), and with structural changes expected, it was queried whether the programme could be embedded and sustained effectively, given that the impact on continuity and delivery could be considerable. The Assistant Director assured Members that significant work was underway to explore the various options and implications. However, the programme remained the right approach for supporting young people to achieve greater independence. It was both the Council’s statutory duty and commitment to deliver the support, and there should be no delay in implementing the support that young people required now.

 

x.          A Member noted that some children with learning disabilities did not attend day services, and that parents could be protective, often caring for their child well into adulthood. Concern was raised that this could result in delayed transitions and reduced independence. Officers reported from an adult social care perspective, preparation for adulthood typically began around age 14, allowing professionals to start planning and involving adult services by age 17, and was the expected timeline for transition planning. The Member responded that from experience, beginning the process earlier was more effective to maximise independence.

 

xi.          Members noted that the programme was initiated in March 2023 and queried the length of time taken to reach its current stage. Officers noted that the programme’s development had been affected by changes in leadership and direction, including new appointments at Assistant Director level, which had brought renewed focus. Engagement with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) has also introduced additional complexity.

 

xii.          Concerns were raised regarding the absence of clearly defined financial savings, despite the time elapsed. A Member asked what initially prompted the project and whether financial efficiencies were considered from the outset. Extensive financial modelling had been undertaken, but internal estimates were not yet finalised and could not be shared currently but would be included in the final business case. The programme was underpinned by the principle that delivering appropriate support led to efficiencies, and the focus remained on achieving the right outcomes, with savings expected to follow.

 

xiii.          Clarification was sought on the nature of missed contributions due to ineffective transitions from children to adult services. It was reported that missed contributions referred to statutory funding responsibilities, particularly within health, that were not always carried forward from children’s services into adulthood, resulting in lost financial support.

 

xiv.          Members commended the quality of parent carer engagement and emphasised the importance of incorporating their feedback. Officers agreed, acknowledging the value of lived experience and confirming that this approach was mirrored in adult services.

 

RESOLVED:

 

a)    That the Preparation for Adulthood Review report be noted.

b)    That the Director be requested to provide figures for the number of children with an EHCP who met adult social care eligibility criteria be provided to Members.