Care watchdog rates North East Lincolnshire adult social care as requires improvement
The council's provision has been evaluated across themes including safety, leadership, and support
North East Lincolnshire Council’s adult social care provision has been rated as requires improvement by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The assessment, which will be published on Friday 19th December, was carried out under CQC’s duty to evaluate how local authorities are meeting their responsibilities under the Care Act 2014. This includes promoting the wellbeing and independence of working-age disabled adults, older people, and their unpaid carers, while offering them choice and control in their care needs.
CQC examined nine areas across four themes, scoring them on a scale from one to four – with one indicating significant shortfalls and four representing exceptional standards. Most areas received a score of two, showing areas for improvement, while three areas achieved a score of three for better performance in system safety and partnerships.
Areas of concern
Chris Badger, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, highlighted delays in assessments for unpaid carers, limited respite options, and a confusing process for direct payments that, in some cases, caused carers to wait up to 18 months for support.
The inspection also found that only 48.18% of people receiving short-term care were able to avoid ongoing support, compared to the England average of 79.39%. Staff struggles included uncertainty in raising safeguarding concerns, alongside reports of inconsistent advice. Additionally, long waiting times for home adaptations posed an issue, increasing anxiety and dependency for individuals and their carers.
Positive strides
Despite these issues, North East Lincolnshire Council was praised for robust partnership working and a person-centred approach. Of particular note was the council’s hospital discharge process, where 94.8% of people were discharged home promptly, reducing stress and aiding recovery.
The assessment team also highlighted the council’s efforts to increase inpatient rehabilitation beds, including those for stroke patients, which contributed to faster recovery times and improved independence. Other positives included the successful transitions between children’s and adult services, as well as the single access phone number for timely advice that people valued highly.
Many staff shared examples of being encouraged to innovate in response to local needs, including the development of specialised services based on training and feedback.
Chris Badger said: “North East Lincolnshire Council has clear plans to address the issues identified, including improving direct payments processes. We'll continue to monitor progress and look forward to seeing how their future plans mature."
The full inspection report will be available on the CQC website.
Council reaction
Cllr Stan Shreeve (Conservative – Humberston and New Waltham Ward), deputy leader and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said the council was grateful to the CQC for its detailed appraisal. “We are working hard against a backdrop of significant challenge and that too was recognised. Two Grimsby housing areas – the East and West Marsh – fall within the most deprived 1 per cent nationally with healthy life expectancy just 55 years old for males and 58 for females.”
“However, our unique adult social care integrated arrangements here in North East Lincolnshire, means we are in the very best position to work with our partners to meet these challenges.” He added the report highlighted areas for improvement that are being tackled and the council is “confident they can be overcome.”
The council was pleased the report highlights many positives too, stated Cllr Shreeve. This included its united single point of access for those needing support, and communication with residents, carers and staff.
Cllr Shreeve said this commitment “reflects the borough’s ambition to work with partners to reduce health inequalities and improve the wellbeing of all residents and future generations – which will have a positive impact on all of our adults”. The council’s partners, which are commissioned to run services, are three Community Interest Companies (CICs): Navigo (mental health), Care Plus Group (community services), and Focus Independent Adult Social Work (Care Act duties).