Ellie Ames 01 December 2023

New inspections require ‘significant’ work, pilot councils say

New inspections require ‘significant’ work, pilot councils say image
Image: Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com

Councils have reported spending 'a huge amount of time and energy' preparing for and undergoing the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) new adult social care assessments.

Following interviews with the five councils that took part in pilot assessments, the Local Government Association (LGA) has said the first local authorities to be formally assessed should be notified as soon as possible given the ‘significant amount of preparatory work’ required.

The LGA also called on the Government to provide new burdens funding for the process and said the ‘implications of underfunding councils' should be considered when ratings are given.

The chief executive of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, Cathie Williams, said: 'The pilots have shown the assurance process takes up a huge amount of time and energy within local authorities, at a time when social care teams are already under pressure with growing numbers of people needing care and support, budgets under severe strain and high levels of vacancies.'

The chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, David Fothergill, said: ‘While councils are very willing to participate in this process, the current precarious position of adult social care must be recognised.’

The CQC’s pilot assessments found that Birmingham City Council, Lincolnshire CC, North Lincolnshire Council and Suffolk CC were ‘ensuring people have access to a good standard of adult social care and support’, while Nottingham City Council ‘requires improvement’ to do so.

Formal assessments are due to begin this month, 'pending government approval', the CQC has said. 

The watchdog said that 'from early December', the first councils would be notified that they will be assessed, asked to complete an information return, and given approximately 9-11 weeks' notice for on-site interviews.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner