Local authority adults services need “greater understanding” of local population equality and diversity issues, warns CQC

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has outlined key lessons from the first half of its local authority assessment programme, which has found good practice in the use of reablement care, but a lack of understanding of local population equality and diversity issues.

The assessments, carried out as part of a two year programme, which began in December 2023, evaluate how well local authorities are meeting their social care duties under part 1 of the Care Act.

Councils receive an overall rating: “outstanding”, “good”, “requires improvement” or “inadequate”.

Of the first 26 councils to receive an assessment report, one (Camden Council) has been rated outstanding, 14 good, 11 requires improvement and none inadequate.

Outlining emerging themes from its first year of assessments, the CQC cited support for unpaid carers as an area that requires improvement – including better identification, improved range and capacity of services, more timely assessments and personalisation of support.

Further, it outlined the need for a “greater understanding” by local authorities of local population equality and diversity issues, and warned that social care data is being used inconsistently, “which makes it harder to effectively plan and monitor services”.

The assessments found that transitions for young people to adults’ services are often challenging, especially if they did not start early, and that councils face continuing recruitment pressures, particularly in relation to occupational therapists.

However, the CQC noted an “increasing focus” on prevention work as a strategic aim, and highlighted good practice in the use of reablement care to support people to regain independence.

The observations were made by CQC deputy directors Amanda Stride and Lella Andrews in a presentation to a Local Government Association webinar last month (27 February).

Lottie Winson