Adult social care service requires improvement

People were potentially put at risk by a lack of effective safeguarding systems in adult social care at York Council, according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Inspectors found the service required improvement, with some areas in need of immediate attention.

The CQC report said people experienced long waits for assessments, reviews and equipment, with inspectors saying the authority also needed to do more to listen to seldom heard groups such as people with learning difficulties.

Claire Douglas, leader of the council, said: "Where weaknesses are identified, we take them very seriously and will make it the council's priority to address them, ensuring standards are what they should be."

Inspectors visited the service in June 2025.

Chris Badger, CQC's chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said: "While we saw some committed staff who wanted to do their best for people, there were significant shortfalls in areas that need immediate attention."

He said support did not always meet people's "individual needs, which was having a negative impact on their health and wellbeing".

"Partners told us that the local authority often provided incorrect or missing information about people's needs, especially for those reaching the end of their life," he said.

"Staff told us that they were frustrated that they couldn't do more to help people."

However, the inspectors also found the council had addressed inequalities around digital exclusion through a strategy that helped people get online, learn new skills and get equipment.

They also found people with dementia had been involved in the development of the dementia strategy.

Douglas said the council had an "absolute commitment" to providing the best adult social care services.

"Our action plan will respond to these points and ensure residents' voices are heard in how we develop and deliver our services," she said.

"That process is already under way and I look forward to seeing swift progress made in this core service area for the council."

Mr Badger said leaders recognised the challenges they faced and were "engaging" with staff and people using the council's services.

He said that for people to get safe and effective care that meets their needs, the council must act on the concerns raised.

"We look forward to seeing how their future plans mature," he added.

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