The Chairman will announce details of the arrangements in case of fire or other events that might require the meeting room or building’s evacuation.

To receive (if any)

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are invited to disclose any interests in any of the items on the agenda at this point of the meeting.  Members may still declare an interest in an item at any time prior to the consideration of the matter.

There were no disclosures of interests.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 29^th April 2025 and authorise the Chairman to sign them

A small typing error was raised.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

The Sub-Committee received a report on the CQC Assurance of the Council.

Officers outlined the background of the upcoming inspection, due in August 2025, and members noted that adult social care had not undergone any statutory inspection for over a decade however reviews had taken place in March 2024. Officers explained the new single assessment framework included 4 themes (assessing needs, providing support, ensuring safety and leadership) and 9 quality statements with a particular focus on lived experiences, unpaid carer experiences and feedback from partners and staff.

The Council had submitted 120 items of evidence and nominated 50 anonymised cases for review by the CQC with 6 cases having been selected for detailed tracking. The service had prepared staff workshops in collaboration with the LGA.

Following the inspection, the Council would receive a draft report before public release. Members noted a communications plan was being developed to support staff and residents regardless of the findings of the inspection.

The Sub-Committee noted the report and made no recommendations.

The Sub-Committee received a report on the Council’s EHCP needs and pressures.

Members noted there had been a year-on-year increase in EHCPs nationally and an even higher rate of increase in Havering with over 3000 EHCPs. Officers outlined the challenges faced on performance, particularly with delays in issuing EHCPs within the statutory timeframe, this was due to an existing contract having expired and a new contract wasn’t to be implemented until 1^st November 2025.

Efforts had been made to increase capacity within the assessment and placement team and members noted that the use of technology was helpful with the writing of reports. Officers assured members that any child awaiting an EHCP would still receive all the necessary support and any funding would be backdated.

The Sub-Committee noted the report and made no recommendations.

The Chairman reminded members of the Sub-Committee’s duty to nominate 3 members to the Outer North East London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Members were asked to notify the clerk of their nomination.