Complaints to the local government ombudsman about care have fallen year-on-year and in the vast majority of cases his recommendations are carried out, council leaders say.
The Local Government Association was responding to findings by Ombudsman Michael King that problems were found in two thirds of the complaints about adult social care in the past year.
The Ombudsman’s Annual Review of Adult Social Care Complaints says in some areas including fees and charging for care nearly three-quarters of investigations have been upheld.
But Mr King said council and care providers’ responses to his investigations remained positive despite the pressures they faced.
Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, said: 'Councils and the care providers they commission work hard to try and give the best possible service to those who rely on vital adult social care support, despite funding and demand pressures.
'This is reflected by the fact that the total number of care complaints has fallen slightly year-on-year and that responses to investigations remain positive, with the vast majority of the Ombudsman’s recommendations being put into place.
'Extra funding for social care next year will help councils as they strive to ensure older and disabled people can live the lives they want to lead.
'We also need the Government to publish its proposals for the future of adult social care as soon as possible to find a long-term, sustainable funding solution, so that all those who use and work in social care have the support and certainty they need.'
