Kirklees adult social care services ‘require improvement’
Some of the report’s findings showed provision for young people and those with specialist needs were “limited”, meaning many had to be placed outside the district
Kirklees Council’s adult social care services require improvement, an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found. The CQC considered how the council meets its responsibilities for adult social care across four key themes: working with people; providing support; ensuring safety and leadership.
Within these headings, the majority of aspects, including: assessing needs; supporting people and governance; and management and sustainability were said to “require improvement”. But some were given a “good rating, including: partnerships and communities; safeguarding; and learning, improvement and innovation.
Across the entire service, a ranking of “requires improvement” was given, with the findings published in a report on November 21. Overall, the council received a score of 59 out of 100, with the benchmark for a “good” rating being 62.
Some of the report’s findings showed provision for young people and those with specialist needs were “limited”, leading to out of area placement or placements not suited to age or support needs. Though it is noted that plans, like accommodation projects, are in place to address this. More work is also needed to support digital inclusion, with those without internet access having “limited” ways to communicate with the local authority.
Concern was also raised around reduced face-to-face services, long telephone waits and difficulties when transitioning from children’s to adult’s services. Some young people are said to receive support too late which is limiting opportunities for early planning and independence building. The council has emphasised that there is a “strong focus” on improving outcomes for young people and their families.
On the other hand, inspectors found that people and unpaid carers consistently felt listened to, respected and involved in shaping their support. Staff were described as trusted, supportive and committed to approaches that promote independence and wellbeing. When it comes to safeguarding, effective systems, practices and processes are said to be in place to protect people from abuse and neglect.
Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Corporate, Cllr Nosheen Dad, said: “While this rating is not what we hoped for, we welcome the CQC’s feedback and are already addressing the areas for improvement. Our plans are in place and we are working swiftly to ensure residents receive the highest standards of care.
“It’s pleasing that the report recognised our strong safeguarding arrangements, with clear understanding of risks and effective partnership working to keep people safe. Our priority is for people in our community to receive safe, effective and compassionate care. We will continue to work closely with partner organisations and the CQC to make our services as strong as possible.”
Chris Badger, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said: “During our inspection of Kirklees Council, we found strong partnership working that delivers real benefits to those living in Kirklees. We also heard people felt listened to and valued, with the authority actively seeking feedback from people with lived experience of using services. However, it does have further work to do to ensure people are consistently receiving the support they need.”
In 2023/24, approximately 5805 people were accessing long-term adult social care support in Kirklees and around 1605 people were receiving short-term adult social care support. In that same year, the local authority spent 23.5 per cent of its budget on adult social care, equating to just less than £182.2m.