Gloucestershire unveils ambitious plans to enhance adult social care
Annual report outlines key achievements and future goals
Gloucestershire County Council's annual report for Adult Social Care highlights a year of investments and transformations aimed at improving support across the county.
With adult social care ranking high on the agenda, the county continues to respond to assessments by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The report shows good leadership has led to a committed workforce steering their five-year programme dedicated to transforming adult social care.
This year saw an additional £5.6 million invested in the county's ambitious transformation and improvement plans, adding to the £224 million allocated in 2025.
The influx of resources includes securing £600,000 of Accelerated Reform Funding focused on bolstering support for unpaid carers.
Among many initiatives, Gloucestershire has honed in on faster response times for Care Act assessments and reducing delays in finance and benefits.
The county council also say feedback from service users is shaping improvements on choice, control, social connectivity, and support for carers, with efforts to enhance accessibility and communication.
The report comes as Andy Burnham announces national reforms to improve ‘a broken social care system’.
Sarah Scott, Executive Director of Adult Social Care, expressed commitment to ensuring that residents of Gloucestershire receive appropriate support to lead independent lives.
Highlighting initiatives like the People’s Experience Transformation Programme, the report details how online resources have become more user-friendly and accessible.
Additionally, preparations for adulthood education will start from age 14, alongside the Prime Minister announcing new plans to bring in technical education routes too.
Continued efforts to strengthen co-production and greater involvement of those who use mental health and occupational therapy services are also underway.
Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Support and Independence, emphasised steps taken to improve services and access.
“We are committed to making sure people in Gloucestershire are supported to live independent, fulfilling lives, with the right help at the right time,” Usmar said.
The full annual report says ongoing transformation across Gloucestershire will centre on people's experiences of care and support.