Somerset Council’s adult social care services have been rated as requiring improvement following a detailed inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Conservative officials have described the findings as a “wake-up call” for the council’s ruling Liberal Democrat administration.
The CQC report, based on an extensive inspection carried out in September 2025, highlights both strengths and weaknesses within the council’s care provision. While front-line staff—including carers and occupational therapists—were praised for their dedication and work ethic, the report identified serious concerns such as prolonged waiting times for assessments and ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified staff.
The inspection evaluated the council’s performance against the standards set out in the Care Act 2014, assessing how well the council engages with local people, supports patients, ensures safety, and demonstrates effective leadership. Key issues included long delays in assessments across all service areas and inconsistencies in handling safeguarding concerns.
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On a positive note, the CQC commended Somerset Council for collaborating with external partners to better utilize data and customer feedback. The council’s increased investment in preventative support was also recognized, which has helped reduce hospital stays by 35 percent.
Chris Badger, the CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care, acknowledged the council’s ongoing financial and structural challenges, particularly following its transition to a unitary authority in 2023. He affirmed that while improvements are underway, consistent progress is still needed to enhance residents’ experiences accessing care and support.
In response, Somerset Council confirmed it is actively addressing the CQC’s concerns. Since the Liberal Democrats assumed control in May 2022, adult social care funding has risen by £80 million between 2022/23 and 2024/25. The council also highlighted positive working relationships with rural micro-providers and innovative initiatives like village agents serving as local points of contact.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, portfolio holder for adult services, expressed disappointment with some findings but stressed the council’s commitment to delivering safe, high-quality support. She emphasized ongoing collaboration with NHS and community partners to improve care integration and outcomes for residents.
However, Conservative Councillor Lucy Trimnell criticized the council’s performance given the substantial budget increases. She described the report’s outcome as “hugely disappointing,” questioning why significant investment had not translated into stronger recruitment or better service outcomes.
Bridgwater Conservative MP Sir Ashley Fox echoed concerns about leadership and service delivery, pointing to lengthy delays in Care Act assessments and inconsistent support for carers. He asserted that after four years of Liberal Democrat control, residents deserve tangible improvements rather than promises, calling the report a clear warning to the administration to act swiftly.