The Care Quality Commission has given its initial verdict on council adult social care services under its new local authority assurance system.
The CQC flagged up councils’ reports of there being shortages of care in their areas for people with more complex needs.
Growing pressures on carers but lack of support in some councils
The regulator’s analysis of national information identified that the number of carers was increasing, they were caring for longer – in terms of hours per week and the duration of time in the role – and they were looking after people with increasingly complex needs.
However, it found clear variations across authorities in relation to the number of carers getting timely support and levels of satisfaction with support.
Lack of workforce strategies
Against the backdrop of longstanding concerns about social care staffing shortages, the CQC found very few councils had published workforce strategies, with even fewer having plans that covered the entire health and social care system.
Gaps in care for people with more complex needs
Authorities reported gaps in care for people needing specialist dementia care, autistic people, those with learning disabilities and people with mental health needs.
You can read more here: CQC delivers initial verdict on council adults' services under new assurance system - Community Care
Or read the State of Care assessment of health and social care in England:
State of Care 2022/23 - Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk)