Stockport’s adult social care services have been rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent body that inspects and rates health and adult social care services in England. This was the first time the council has been assessed under the CQC’s new approach to reviewing how local authorities deliver adult social care.
The assessment looked at how well the council helps adults who need care and support, including older people, people with disabilities, and unpaid carers.
Inspectors found that services in Stockport are working well in a number of key areas. This includes supporting people to live independently for as long as possible, providing care that is focused on the individual, and strong partnership working with the NHS, voluntary and community organisations, and local care providers.
The report also highlighted the council’s prevention work, including services such as Home First and Live Well. These services help people leave hospital safely, recover at home, and stay independent, reducing the need for long-term residential care wherever possible.
Overall, the CQC found that support in Stockport is person-centred, with a strong focus on helping people make their own choices, stay in control of their care, and remain connected to their families, carers and communities. The inspection also noted positive involvement of people with lived experience in shaping and improving services.
Councillor Helen Foster Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care
“We’re pleased that the CQC has rated our adult social care services as Good, recognising the hard work, dedication and compassion of our staff and partners who support adults across Stockport every day.
"This is a brilliant achievement with the increasingly stretched, underfunded resources and rapidly rising demand. Good is a real testament to the dedication, compassion and teamwork shown every day by our workforce across adult social care, the wider council and valued health partners like the NHS. It reflects our commitment to true inclusive co-production, working together with local residents and people with lived experience, as many of our own families have too, to put real people at the heart of what we do.
“I believe there is more to do, but this gives us a strong foundation to build on as we continue improving and challenging services together. Unprecedented demand for adult social care continues to rise, and we remain determined to help people stay independent and live healthy, fulfilling lives.
“We welcome the CQC’s findings after this important and rigorous six-month inspection, the first of its kind, and vitally are already taking action to address the areas identified, building on what’s working well and continuing to improve outcomes for local people. My heartfelt thanks to all involved for their dedication above and beyond helping all those courageous fellow residents facing immense health challenges in their life."
The inspection also identified positive examples of services working together to reduce risk and help prevent abuse and neglect. It found that personalised support from care providers is helping improve quality of life for people using services, and that unpaid carers are also receiving better support.
The council will continue to work with residents, carers and partners to build on this progress and make sure adult social care services remain safe, effective, and focused on what matters most to local people.