News

The Local Government Association is calling for the scrapping of single word ratings in Care Quality Commission assessments of councils’ adult social care services, following the decision to end single word ratings in Ofsted inspections.

Councils are calling a long-term care workforce plan, alongside immediate investment in adult social care to tackle the urgent issues affecting services.

The adult social care sector remains in a precarious position and despite councils’ best efforts to make progress on the issue, more than 400,000 people are still facing a wait to be assessed, for their care package to commence, or for a review of their care plan.

“Our Local Government White Paper calls for more support for unpaid carers and a renewed focus on prevention and it is crucial that whoever forms the next government should work to support them to continue their vital role."

"We need to see further urgent investment in adult social care and a boost to the social care workforce to ensure the best possible care for those that need it.”

"We continue to call for a dedicated workforce strategy, to promote, protect, support and develop careers in social care."

“The added workload these assessments are causing for councils must be addressed and councils should be given appropriate additional funding and support in order to participate in them effectively.”

“This is an important moment for adult social care, a lot of work from across the sector has gone into the preparation and execution of these assessments. "

“The easy savings have long since gone. Councils are being faced with tough decisions about cutting valued services, increasing council tax and fees and charges during a cost-of-living crisis.  "

“We support NAO’s recommendation that DHSC must assess the impact of its current and planned reform interventions on local authorities and consult with stakeholders to ensure its plans are manageable.”