A report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has prompted Somerset Council to improve its adult social care services.

Following an assessment of the local authority last September, the CQC found that Somerset Council’s services required improvements.

The report identified shortfalls including long waiting periods for assessments, Care Act reviews not being completed promptly, and periodical delays with carers’ assessments.

It also highlighted that ‘work was needed to take a more strategic approach to equity in adult social care’, as well as noting that further efforts were required to see that safeguarding concerns were actioned appropriately.

Among the positive points were the council’s use of innovation and its successful provision of micro providers to support people living in rural areas.

In a statement released today, the council has confirmed that it has begun taking steps to make the changes flagged in the report.

The improvements it has made include the commissioning of a 24-hour self service tool to help carers find support and carer groups at speed, the development of an oversight group to monitor the efficiency of assessments, and the use of data to monitor trends and target resources.

Cllr Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness said: ‘We are disappointed by the findings of the Care Quality Commission’s assessment, but we want to reassure the people who use our services, their families and carers that our focus remains on ensuring people receive safe, high-quality support.’

She added that the council is ‘fully committed’ to making the recommended improvements and confirmed that the local authority is ‘working closely with partners’ to achieve this.