Adult Social Care Service ‘Requires Improvement’

A watchdog has said people in Leicestershire are waiting too long for adult social care assessments.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the county council’s adult social care service as ‘Requires Improvement’ following an inspection.

It was assessed by the regulator across nine areas, with concerns raised over waiting times.

The CQC’s report said at the time of the inspection, there were a total of 768 people awaiting a care act assessment to start, which had risen from 690 in September 2024.

LCC has said there has since been an improvement.

James Bullion, the CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care,  said: “During our inspection of Leicestershire County Council, we found a local authority committed to getting people the right care and support for their needs.

“However, we found some areas where they need to translate that commitment into ensuring people have more timely access to effective services.

“We found waiting lists were too long for most of the services being offered. People told us they had mixed experiences of contacting the local authority and accessing adult social care support.”

The CQC praised the council’s ‘committed frontline staff’ and the authority says since the inspection, the number of people waiting for an assessment is down by 200 and new information packs are now in place.

Jon Wilson, Director of Adult Social Care at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We work really hard to support people to access the care and support they need.

“I’m pleased the report recognises where we are performing well and our commitment to improving. Improvements are already underway and we’re seeing a difference.

Councillor Carl Abbott, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “In the report, the CQC spoke with a range of people who spoke of a positive and respectful approach from staff.

“Our focus now is on stepping up these improvements to make sure people receive the best possible service in Leicestershire.”

The assessment took place from September 2024-February 2025 and reviewed the responsibilities the council has under the Care Act 2014.