Improved rating for adult care services

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 its revised assessment, the CQC has increased the council's overall score from 62% to 64%.

The CQC reached the new rating after considering further evidence around governance, management and sustainability. The result puts Lincolnshire joint second of the 9 authorities in the region for performance.

Cllr 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. The most important outcome is that the contribution and dedication of our staff, carers, providers and volunteers is now more accurately reflected."

He added: "That said, neither I nor this administration view a Good rating as a reason for complacency. 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."

Hayley Eccles, Deputy Executive Director of Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, said: "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. 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."

She also thanked the regulator: "Finally, I'd like to thank the CQC for taking the time to review their original assessment and address the concerns we had raised."