People Overview & Scrutiny
Subject: Scrutiny of Adult Social Care Improvement Plan
Date of meeting: 28th January 2026
Report of: Chair of People Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Contact Officer: Name: Luke Proudfoot
Email: luke.proudfoot@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected:
Key Decision: No
1.1 The recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care services provided by Brighton & Hove City Council has given the overall rating for Brighton & Hove City Council as ‘Requires Improvement’.
1.2 The Council has therefore put together the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan (Appendix 1) to address the concerns raised by the CQC. This report provides an opportunity for the People Overview & Scrutiny Committee to scrutinise the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan.
2.1 People Overview & Scrutiny notes the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan.
3.1 A new regulatory framework for Local Authorities with responsibilities for Adult Social Care was announced in 2022, first pilot inspections were completed by early 2024. Brighton & Hove was notified of the Inspection Process starting in November 2024, with onsite inspection completed in April 2025.
3.2 The Regulatory Framework measures how well Local Authorities deliver their responsibilities under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.
3.3 A report has been completed by CQC and has given the overall rating for Brighton & Hove City Council as ‘Requires Improvement’ with a score breakdown below.
3.4 The CQC has issued Brighton & Hove a section 50 notice for score of 1 in Assessing Needs, which means that they will give formal notice of the judgement to the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care. As a result of this the Council will work closely with Local Government Association to complete a response plan, which will then be shared with Department for Health & Social Care.
3.5 The Section 50 notice highlighted 2 main areas of concern; Waiting times for assessment including waiting well procedures and completion of annual reviews. The Adult Social Care Improvement Plan, included as appendix 1, will address these areas of concern and include other performance areas as explained in the document.
3.6 The Adult Social Care Improvement Plan meets objectives set out in the Brighton & Hove City Plan 2023-2027 specifically Outcome 3: A healthy city that helps people to thrive, and Outcome 4: A responsive and learning council with well-run services.
4.1 None for this scrutiny report.
5.1 None for this scrutiny report.
6.1 Those items listed as completed or in progress in the action plan have been assessed from a financial perspective with the appropriate approvals sought to go ahead. However, detailed future proposals, including financial impacts, will need to be subject to formal assessment of financial implications.
Name of finance officer consulted: Jane Stockton Date consulted: 16/01/2026
7.1 The Health and Social Care Act 2022 and associated regulations provide CQC with statutory powers to independently assess how well Local Authorities deliver their responsibilities under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.
Where one or more of the quality statements is given a score of 1 by CQC, pursuant to Section 50 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (as amended), CQC must inform the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Name of lawyer consulted: Sandra O’brien Date consulted: 13/01/26
8.1 None for this scrutiny report.
9.1 None for this scrutiny report.
10. Health and Wellbeing Implications:
10.1 None for this scrutiny report, however the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan (appendix 1) provides details of the services as seen during the CQC inspection, the plans to improve service delivery, and the risks faced.
11. Procurement implications
11.1 None for this scrutiny report.
12. Crime & disorder implications:
12.1 None for this scrutiny report.
13.1 Following the recent CQC inspection result, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Adult Social Care Improvement Plan has been brought to the People Overview & Scrutiny Committee for scrutiny.
Supporting Documentation
1. Adult social Care Improvement Plan