Westmorland & Furness Council: ‘Good’ CQC Rating for Adult Social Care

Adult Social Care services in Westmorland and Furness Council have received a positive assessment from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the first since the council’s formation in 2023. The CQC highlighted the council’s person-centred approach, support for carers, and commitment to keeping people safe, alongside proactive work to promote health and wellbeing.

Positive Assessment, Areas for Growth

The assessment, conducted in June 2025, rated the council as “Good” in four out of nine assessed areas. While the overall rating was “Requires Improvement,” the council achieved the highest possible score within that band – just one point shy of a “Good” rating overall. This indicates a strong foundation and progress toward higher standards.

Leadership and Partnerships Praised

CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, Chris Badger, noted the authority’s strong leadership and awareness of existing challenges. He stated leaders are “on an improvement journey” to enhance experiences within adult social care and are “building the right foundations to deliver better support.” The report also commended productive partnerships with the NHS and the voluntary sector.

Did You Know? Adult Social Care accounts for one third of Westmorland and Furness Council’s proposed £301m budget for the year ahead.

Progress Since Formation

Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet member for Adults, Health and Care, welcomed the report as an accurate reflection of the council’s position at the time of assessment. She emphasized the achievement of coming so close to a “Good” rating after less than three years as a new unitary council. Since the CQC’s visit nearly eight months ago, the council has reportedly reduced the number of overdue support plan reviews and halved the waiting time for social work or occupational therapy assessments, with nearly all assessments now commencing within 28 days.

Financial Pressures and Future Focus

The council acknowledges significant financial pressures, particularly concerning the increasing demand for adult social care due to an ageing population. A key improvement plan focuses on providing the right support to maximize independence and manage demand and costs effectively. The council is expanding intermediate care beds in Barrow and Kendal, with the NHS providing therapeutic support.

Expert Insight: The CQC’s assessment suggests a council actively working to establish itself and improve services despite considerable challenges. The near-miss on a “Good” rating, coupled with identified areas for improvement, highlights the complexities of delivering effective adult social care within budgetary constraints and evolving demographic needs.

Key Strengths Identified

The CQC report recognised several areas of strong practice, including a person-centred approach, positive support for carers, strong partnerships, proactive prevention work, a commitment to equity and inclusion, a stable care market, supportive leadership, and effective safeguarding. The council’s dedication to serving rural communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and asylum seekers, refugees, and Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities was also highlighted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas need improvement?

Areas identified for improvement include developing a stronger council-wide approach to prevention, reducing waiting times for assessments and reviews, improving strategy development, enhancing specialist provision for complex needs, refining hospital discharge processes, addressing rurality challenges, revising the framework for assessing and charging adults, and increasing the availability of personal assistants.

What partnerships were highlighted in the report?

The CQC report specifically praised the council’s strong partnership working with NHS Integrated Care Boards, housing, voluntary sector partners, and others, particularly highlighting the success of hospital discharge partnerships.

How quickly are assessments being scheduled?

The council has halved the number of people waiting for a social work or occupational therapy assessment, with nearly all assessments now commencing within 28 days. Residents are contacted if any delays beyond the agreed date are anticipated.

As Westmorland and Furness Council continues its improvement journey, what role do you think community-powered approaches will play in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents?