Plan to tackle 'inadequate' adult social care

Many areas of adult social care were found to need rapid improvement

A council is to create an "improvement board" to "deliver change" after a watchdog rated its adult social care "inadequate".

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) gave Blackpool Council the lowest rating after an inspection in March.

Its report highlighted weaknesses in dealing with mental health and substance abuse, saying "the authority had fragmented plans to tackle these issues and need a more strategic joined-up approach".

Deputy leader Neal Brookes, who is also the cabinet member for adult social care, admitted the report was a difficult read and the council took the findings "exceptionally seriously".

Although the inspectors did acknowledge staff were passionate about their work and proud to work for the council, many areas were found to need rapid improvement.

'Commitment and determination'

Urgent action was needed on leadership, management and safeguarding, the CQC said.

The council is now looking to develop a plan to make changes that will be submitted to and approved by the Department for Health and Social Care "by the end of October", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

"Our plan will be driven by the council and overseen by the Adult Social Care Improvement Board, but will need the active support and participation of our partners, our workforce and some key resources to have the required impact," a report said.

"Workforce and partners have expressed both commitment and determination to work through the areas of improvement together and deliver change.

"Staff, managers and leaders are engaged in discussions about what is needed and how they would like to see work develop – and this will form the basis of the detailed improvement plan."