'Significant step' - Blackpool Council's Adult Social Care Improvement Plan after 'inadequate' CQC

Blackpool Council has submitted its Adult Social Care Improvement Plan to the Department of Health and Social Care, setting out how services will be strengthened across the town after a damning “inadequate” CQC report last year.

The plan outlines a programme aimed at improving outcomes and ensuring long-term sustainability. It follows six months of work involving the council, NHS, police, the Local Government Association, care partners including Blackpool Carers Centre, Trinity Hospice and Empowerment Charity, as well as staff and people with lived experience of adult social care in Blackpool.

The plan focuses on four areas: working with people, providing support, safety and leadership. It sets out how the council aims to deliver sustainable improvements through strengths-based approaches, helping people have more say in the care they receive.

‘Lasting change’

Cllr Neal Brookes, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This Improvement Plan marks a significant step forward for adult social care in Blackpool. It has been developed openly and honestly, working alongside our staff, partners and, crucially, people who use our services.

“Getting social care right is not just a council responsibility, but one that all partners across the town are taking an active role in. Over the past six months we have built stronger foundations, addressed areas of immediate concern, and put in place the governance and capacity needed to deliver lasting change and create stronger communities.”

‘Progress’

The council says progress has been made over the past six months, with an independently chaired Improvement Board, supported by a Department-appointed adviser, established for oversight and independent audits of frontline practice carried out, leading to changes including redesigned workflows, clearer practice standards and improved legal knowledge among staff.

More than £1 million has been allocated for improvement activity, alongside further funding in the council’s 2026/27 budget. The investment is being used to increase leadership capacity, strengthen safeguarding oversight, and improve performance, quality assurance and workforce development.

Since the board was set up, the council says more people are being supported in the community, waiting times for referrals and assessments have reduced, and fewer people require ongoing support after short-term help. There has also been an increase in people receiving advice at first contact and in those reporting their preferred safeguarding outcomes have been met.

The next phase will focus on consistent practice across teams, faster access to assessments, stronger safeguarding and improved performance monitoring.

‘Core responsibilities’

Deb Butcher, Chair of the Improvement Board, added: “The Improvement Board is encouraged by progress the council has made and feels confident that the service improvement plan once delivered will address all areas raised by CQC in their report.

“A core responsibility for the council’s adult social care is the protection and safeguarding of adults who draw on care and support, and we have been assured the social work practice has been strengthened with strong safeguarding partnership oversight from the Blackpool Safeguarding Adults Board.”