Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the outcomes following the recent CQC assessment of Adult Social Care.

The Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care & Health Systems presented the report of the Director: Adult Social Care.

As of April 2023, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) had taken on new responsibilities under the Health Care Act 2022 for assessing how local authorities meet their duties for people accessing care and support.

On 19 February 2024, the Council received notification from the CQC of its upcoming assessment and requested an initial information return as part of the first stage of the assessment by 8 March 2024. The Council received notification on 24 May 2024 that the onsite element of the assessment would take place in July 2024 which included 3 days of interviews with the final report of the CQC’s assessment of the Council published on 5 November 2024. 

The CQC's findings concluded that the Council’s ability to meet its duties for people assessing care and support was ‘Good’. The report highlighted strengths in professional assessments, innovative co-production, and strong partnership working, which ensured individuals could live independently and receive necessary support when needed. It was noted that the Council's reflective practices were acknowledged, and the initial self-assessment undertaken by the Council was deemed fair.

The CQC had recognised the strength-based approaches and use of assistive technology by the Council which had delayed the need for statutory services and maintained individuals' independence. The report also underscored the importance of strong leadership and a culture of transparency, with locality teams and frontline staff being recognised for their innovative practices that had continued to improve waiting times and discharge outcomes in collaboration with health partners.

In addition to the strengths identified, the report also identified some areas of focus and continued work which included:-

• reducing waiting lists and waiting times for assessments;
• improving take up of Direct Payments;
• improving accessibility of services;
• improving the diversity and representation within experts by experience groups and Board;
• focusing on Safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberties (DoLS);
• improving communication with people in receipt of care and support services, their family and carers;
• developing the care market further; and
• focusing on employment opportunities available for people with care and support needs including with learning disabilities.

The report provided a summary of actions to be taken to address the areas of focus highlighted by the CQC as part of a continuous Improvement Action Plan.

Cabinet Members responded positively to the report and acknowledged the contributions made by Council teams, partners and service users in achieving the assessment score which reflected the Council’s commitment to providing the highest quality care and support to the most vulnerable residents in the Borough. Members praised collaborative efforts made by the Council’s Public Health and Adult Social Care teams in areas of work such as fall prevention, weight management, frailty and the quit smoking offer which has helped to reduce system pressures, alleviated financial burdens and improved quality of life for residents.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group welcomed the report and the CQC’s assessment rating of ‘Good’. He acknowledged  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48