People Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Subject: Adult Social Care Improvement Plan Update
Date of meeting: 14th July 2026
Report of: Chair of People Overview & Scrutiny
Contact Officer: Name: Luke Proudfoot
Email: luke.proudfoot@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: (All Wards);
Key Decision: No
1.1 The Adult Social Care Improvement Plan was presented to People Overview & Scrutiny Committee in January 2026.
1.2 During this committee meeting members agreed that they would like to monitor the progress of the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan and requested that an update be brought to committee after six months.
2.1 People Overview & Scrutiny notes the progress of 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.
|
Quality Statement |
Score |
|
Assessing Needs |
1 |
|
Supporting people to live healthier lives |
2 |
|
Equity in experience and outcomes |
2 |
|
Care provision, integration and continuity |
2 |
|
Partnerships and communities |
2 |
|
Safe pathways, systems and transitions |
2 |
|
Safeguarding |
2 |
|
Governance, management and sustainability |
2 |
|
Learning, improvement and innovation |
2 |
Score 1 – shows significant shortfalls (inadequate), Score 2 shows some shortfalls (Requires Improvement), Score 3 shows a good standard (good). Score 4 shows an exceptional standard (outstanding).
3.4 The CQC issued Brighton & Hove a section 50 notice for score of 1 in Assessing Needs, which means that they gave formal notice of the judgement to the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care. As a result of this the Council worked closely with Local Government Association to complete a response plan, which was shared with Department for Health & Social Care.
3.5 The Section 50 notice highlighted two main areas of concern; Waiting times for assessment including waiting well procedures and completion of annual reviews. The Adult Social Care Improvement Plan addresses these areas of concern and includes other performance areas.
3.6 During scrutiny of the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan in January 2026, People Overview & Scrutiny Committee agreed that they wanted to receive an update on the progress of the Improvement Plan after six months.
3.7 The attached report to cabinet provides an update on the progress of the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan.
3.8 The cabinet report is due to be presented to cabinet in September and is therefore in a draft format. Data within it will be updated as required ahead of September cabinet.
4.1 None for this scrutiny report. Please see cabinet report at appendix 1.
5.1 None for this scrutiny report. Please see cabinet report at appendix 1.
6.1 There are no direct financial implications as a result of this report. The Adult Social Care Improvement Plan will inform budget development and the Medium-Term Financial strategy of the Council. Any changes in service delivery will be subject to recommissioning processes and will need to be delivered within the available budget.
Name of finance officer consulted: Brian Smith Date consulted:03/07/26
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.
7.2 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: 25/06/26
8.1 None for this scrutiny report. Please see cabinet report at appendix 1.
9.1 None for this scrutiny report. Please see cabinet report at appendix 1.
10.1 None for this scrutiny report. Please see cabinet report at appendix 1.
11. Health and Wellbeing Implications:
11.1 None for this scrutiny report. Please see cabinet report at appendix 1.
14.1 Members are presented with the requested update on the progress of the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan and are asked to note its progress.
Supporting Documentation
1. Draft Cabinet Report on progress of Adult Social Care Improvement Plan