Partnership approach to continue supporting people with social care needs in local prisons

11 November 2026

People with eligible social care needs in local prisons will continue to receive coordinated support through the established partnership between West Northamptonshire Council, NHS England and the care provider. 

The integrated service supports individuals in custody at HMP Onley and HMP Rye Hill, ensuring they can access the care they need while promoting independence, wellbeing and continuity of support. The arrangements also help services work together effectively, providing better outcomes for individuals and value for taxpayers. 

West Northamptonshire Council's Cabinet has approved plans to continue integrated social care support for eligible people in custody through a new Section 75 Agreement with NHS England from April 2027. 

Under the Care Act 2014, councils have a legal duty to assess and meet eligible social care needs for people living in prisons within their area. The new agreement will enable the Council to continue fulfilling these responsibilities through a partnership approach that brings together health and social care services. 

The agreement will initially run for two years, with the option to extend for a further two one-year periods, providing stability for residents who require support and ensuring services can respond to future demand. 

The integrated model helps reduce duplication, improves communication between services and ensures people with eligible care needs receive the right support at the right time. It also provides continuity for individuals already accessing services while creating a sustainable approach to meet future pressures on the system. 

Demand for support is expected to increase in the coming years, with planned expansion within the local prison estate forecast to bring approximately 60 additional prisoners aged over 55 into West Northamptonshire from May 2027. 

Councillor Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council, said: "This decision means people with eligible care and support needs in our local prisons will continue to get the support they need and maintain their wellbeing. 

"Working closely with NHS England and healthcare providers helps us make sure people receive the right support at the right time, while making best use of public money. 

"The agreement gives stability for the future and means we can continue responding to changing demand while providing high-quality support for those who need it most." 

The next step will be for West Northamptonshire Council and NHS England to finalise the new Section 75 Agreement and associated contractual arrangements ahead of the current agreement ending on 31 March 2027. Existing service provision will continue throughout this process, ensuring continuity of care for people receiving support. 

The new arrangements will come into effect from 1 April 2027, maintaining the integrated delivery model and supporting strong partnership working across adult social care, healthcare and prison services. 

For communities, the decision means the Council will continue meeting its statutory responsibilities while ensuring public services work together effectively to support vulnerable people, improve outcomes and provide value for taxpayers.