Agenda and draft minutes

No apologies were received.

No declarations of interest were received.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting on 22 July 2025 were a correct record and that they be signed by the Chair

1. Miss Diane Morton, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, provided an update on the following:

(a)  Adult social care continued to face significant challenges, as confirmed by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Spring Survey 2025 and reflected in Kent’s media response. Prevention services were increasingly under pressure, with spending at its lowest proportion of adult social care budgets in over a decade. Rising care costs, growing demand and complexity, and an inadequate funding formula compounded the issue. The Care Quality Commission also faced difficulties, impacting care providers in Kent. A commitment was made to continue supporting providers wherever possible.

(b)  On 18^th August a visit was undertaken with Mr Mulvihill to Westview Integrated Care Centre, which integrated adult social care and health services on a single site. The visit highlighted the importance of joined-up care and included conversations with individuals in short-term care, which illustrated both the challenges and the value of the service.

(c)  On 3^rd September Miss Morton chaired the Kent Substance Misuse Alliance meeting. This focussed on partnership work to address addiction and its impact on individuals and families. Both deputy Cabinet Members for  Adult Social Care and Public Health attended.

(d)  On 4^th September Miss Morton visited MediQuip, Kent’s new community equipment provider, following the collapse of  NRS Healthcare on 31 July. MediQuip had rapidly mobilised to take over this critical service and were currently delivering and collecting over 400 items daily, including hospital beds and walking aids, to support residents’ safety and independence at home and reduce avoidable hospital admissions. While operational challenges were acknowledged, MediQuip demonstrated a strong commitment to improving efficiency and supporting vulnerable residents. They also emphasised their social value commitments and expressed interest in future collaboration to meet evolving community needs. Officers were formally thanked for their tireless efforts in ensuring the immediate continuity of this essential service.

(e)  The 10 September marked World Suicide Prevention Day and 12 days later on 22 September, Kent hosted the Baton of Hope Tour, the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative. The event served as a powerful and moving reminder that suicide remained one of the most urgent public health challenges facing the county. These events, alongside recent visits to voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector services, demonstrated the wide scope of adult social care and public health support, from integrated care and equipment provision to substance misuse and suicide prevention. Each service area was recognised as essential, facing distinct pressures, and underscoring the importance of both prevention and crisis response.

(f)   Miss Morton concluded that despite ongoing national funding challenges, Kent remained focused on building partnerships, protecting statutory services, and directing resources where they would have the greatest impact. The collaborative efforts seen, from MediQuip’s rapid mobilisation to the Baton of Hope’s advocacy, reflected the values of innovation, partnership, and resilience in challenging times.

2. Mr Paul Webb, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, provided an update on the following:

(a)  Parish funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

John Betts (Interim Corporate Director Finance), Cath Head (Head of Finance Operations) and  Joe McKay (Acting Chief Accountant) were in attendance for this item

1.    Mr Collins (Deputy Leader of Kent County Council) introduced the report that provided details of the Council’s financial position as at Quarter 1 of 2025/26. A forecast outturn variance of £27.9 million overspend was reported, representing 1.8% of the overall budget. The most significant pressure was within Adult Social Care and Health, due to unachievable savings due to be met in-year and wider service-related challenges. A small overspend was also forecast in Children, Young People and Education, primarily linked to high-cost packages for looked-after children with disabilities. Minor overspends were noted in Growth, Environment and Transport, and the Chief Executive’s Department, offset by underspends elsewhere. Of the £121.5 million savings target, £102.6 million (84%) was expected to be delivered in-year. The Schools Delegated Budgets position reflected ongoing demand for special educational needs support, funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant. An announcement from Government was expected later in the year. The capital forecast showed a £1.2 million underspend, comprising a £31.9 million real variance and a £33.1 million rephasing variance.

2.    RESOLVED that Cabinet agree to:

(a)  NOTE the revenue and capital forecast outturn position for 2025-26 as detailed in the report, and accompanying appendices

(b)  AGREE the revenue and capital budget adjustments detailed in the report

(c)  DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Finance to take required actions as necessary to implement all decisions arising from the report

(d)  DELEGATE authority, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, for the management of the Extended Producer Responsibility Grant (held in reserves) to the Corporate Director of Finance in 2025-26 – subject to relevant government guidance or requirements

Mattew Wagner (Chief Analyst Strategy, Policy, Relationships & Corporate Assurance) was in attendance for this item

1. Mr Wagner outlined the outlined the report for Quarter 1 (Q1, 2025/26) which covered the period January to March, prior to the May county elections. Of the 39 KPIs reported, 17 were rated Green (two more than the previous Quarter) 16 were rated Amber (three fewer than the previous Quarter) and 6 were rated Red (one more than the previous Quarter). With regard to Direction of Travel, 8 indicators showed a positive trend, 27 were stable or with no clear trend, and 4 showed a negative trend. Mr Wagner addressed the 6 KPIs that were rated RED.

2. Mr Wagner proceeded to report on the positive performance trends for Quarter 1 and noted that 17 KPIs were rated green, 8 of which showed a clear improvement over the past six quarters. A notable achievement was within the SEND service, where the percentage of Education, Health and Care Plans issued within the 20-week timescale met the target for the first time since reporting began. This represented the highest performance against this measure since December 2017.

3. It was noted that once the Strategic Statement was finalised, the KPIs within the quarterly performance report and Cabinet Committee dashboards would be reviewed to ensure alignment with priorities for the 2026/27 financial year. This work would be undertaken in collaboration with relevant Cabinet Members and key officers.

4. RESOLVED that Cabinet agree to note the Quarter 1 Performance Report and the actions being taken to address areas where performance is not as targeted.