Adult care services in Lincolnshire now rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded its rating of Lincolnshire County Council’s adult care services to ‘Good’ - having reviewed its latest inspection report.

In August, the CQC rated the services ‘requires improvement’ with a score of 62% - just below the threshold of the 63% required for a ‘Good’ rating.

“Having considered further evidence around governance, management and sustainability, the CQC has increased our overall score from 62% to 64%,” an LCC spokesperson said. “ As a result, we have now been rated as Good. This means that, out of the nine authorities in the region, Lincolnshire is joint second in the list of top performance.”

Coun Steve Clegg, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, said: "I'm pleased that the CQC has reviewed the additional evidence we provided and revised its overall judgement to Good.

“This revised rating gives a more balanced picture of adult social care in Lincolnshire. It is also a reminder that regulatory assessments are complex and that it is important to consider the full evidence base before drawing conclusions. The most important outcome is that the contribution and dedication of our staff, carers, providers and volunteers is now more accurately reflected.

“That said, neither I nor this administration view a Good rating as a reason for complacency. We have always acknowledged that there is more to do. Since taking office, we have introduced Lincolnshire's first comprehensive Adult Social Care Strategy, strengthened leadership arrangements and reinvigorated our improvement programme. The revised assessment recognises the progress that is already being made.

“Our focus now is exactly the same as it was before this review: helping people to live independently for longer, expanding choice and control, and ensuring residents receive the right support at the right time.

“Most importantly, I would like to thank everyone working across the care system. This recognition belongs to them. Their professionalism, compassion and commitment make a real difference to thousands of Lincolnshire residents every day."

Hayley Eccles, Deputy Executive Director of Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, added: “I’m delighted that the CQC have recognised the quality of the support we provide to our residents, and our staff should be proud of this fantastic result. They are the driving force behind the successes highlighted in this report, and we couldn’t deliver our ambitious improvement programme without them.

“The people who use our services at the heart of everything we do, and we remain committed to supporting them to live the lives they want to lead. Delivering services in a large, rural county does present unique challenges at times, but we continue to make good progress and are looking to build on the good foundations recognised in this report.

The full report can be viewed at www.cqc.org.uk/care-services/local-authority-assessment-reports.