Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Powering our Future Supporting People to Live Independently - Phase 2

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on Powering our Future Supporting People to Live Independently - Phase 2.

In October 2024, the Council completed the Phase 1 of the Powering Our Future (POF) review with the decommissioning of contracted Discharge to Assess (D2A) service and the transfer of this capacity into the Council’s reablement service. This was fully implemented in 2025/6 and (as illustrated in Figure 1 of the report), Phase 1 delivered significant growth in the numbers benefiting from reablement support.

Phase 2 was to consider what additional opportunities there were for further development.  During 2025/26, the Council worked with Peopletoo (independent consultancy firm with expertise in Adult Social Care & Integrated Health) to look at opportunities for greater reach for the Reablement Service alongside supporting Adult Social Care and Health (ASCH) Scrutiny Committee (Appendix 1 of the report) who undertook a scrutiny review of reablement (published December 2025).

Consistent with the Council’s design principles (reducing inequality and prioritise prevention, having efficient processes and use data and intelligence to inform the decision) the Council had reflected on the findings from Peopletoo and ASCH and, working with stakeholders (including the NHS) developed an outline plan for Phase 2 that would maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the processes and pathways to support people being discharged from hospital and those living in the community. 

A key element of Phase 2 was expanding the scope for the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) Reablement service alongside the commissioning of assessment beds. This was intended to strengthen alignment with One Call and commissioned services, reduce reliance on bed-based rehabilitation, and increase the ability to positively impact a greater number of people.

RESOLVED that the direction of travel be agreed for the proposed service improvements planned under Phase 2.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Changes proposed in the report will ensure current services are optimised to support more people with reablement support in the most suitable location.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 26 June 2026