The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated North Somerset Council’s adult social care services as “requires improvement,” marking its second lowest ranking and spotlighting significant shortfalls in safeguarding and support.
Released on May 16, the report evaluates the council’s performance from June to December 2024. While North Somerset Council asserts it has begun addressing many concerns, the CQC found troubling issues that must be resolved to improve care quality and safety for vulnerable residents.
A key concern flagged by the CQC was inconsistent safeguarding. One care partner reported uncertainty about protecting a vulnerable person after contacting the council’s safeguarding team outside “core hours,” only to be advised to wait for daytime teams to respond. Although daytime services were generally adequate, responsiveness sharply declined during evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and at night.
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Long waits for carer assessments also drew criticism. By October, 245 carers awaited evaluations, with an average delay of 89 days. Carers expressed uncertainty about how to access essential support during these prolonged waits. Moreover, the council’s rate of offering reablement services—critical support to help older adults stay at home following hospital discharge—was almost five times below the national average.
Despite these concerns, the report commended North Somerset Council for its advocacy support, noting that 100% of people lacking mental capacity received advocacy during safeguarding enquiries, surpassing the 83% national average.
Councillor Roger Whitfield, cabinet member for adult social services, acknowledged the report’s findings, stating, “We accept the CQC report findings and had already implemented significant improvements during the assurance visit in December. Though our improvements were too recent to reflect sustained progress, we remain committed to enhancing services.” He emphasized that the council faces challenges from rising elderly population numbers, supply constraints, and budget pressures, and assured that collaborative efforts with healthcare providers continue to drive improvements.
James Bullion, CQC chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, highlighted that the council’s leadership understands the complexities posed by a 22% increase in residents aged 65 and over since 2011. While 84% of care homes commissioned by the council were rated good, specific challenges remain in prevention, dementia care, mobility support, and chronic disease management.
Bullion praised the council’s innovative initiatives, such as delegating insulin delivery to care home staff and improving in-home blood testing services, which have expedited care delivery. However, geographic disparities hinder access for rural residents lacking digital access or literacy, exacerbating inequality.
The CQC also noted concerns about cultural appropriateness and language support, with limited resources for non-English speakers despite having a dedicated asylum seeker support officer. Additionally, the council must strengthen its co-production approach, as feedback from carers and residents does not consistently lead to meaningful change.
Although the council has laid a solid foundation for adult social care, the CQC insists focused efforts are necessary to address outstanding issues. The commission plans to revisit North Somerset Council to evaluate progress and the impact on residents’ well-being.
This inspection is the CQC’s first evaluation of the council under its expanded role assessing local authorities’ collaboration with communities and partners to fulfill care responsibilities. In comparison, neighboring Bath and North East Somerset Council also received a “requires improvement” rating earlier this year.