Blackpool Council submits plan for better adult social care

Blackpool Council has formally submitted its Adult Social Care Improvement Plan to the Department of Health and Social Care.

The plan sets out a clear, co‑produced programme to strengthen services, improve outcomes and ensure long‑term sustainability.

The submission follows six months of focused work across the council, NHS, police, LGA, care partners including Blackpool Carers Centre, Trinity Hospice and Empowerment Charity, staff and people with lived experience of adult social care in Blackpool.

The plan sets out how the council will create long term and sustainable improvements to adult social care, creating strengths-based approaches that will create stronger communities and allow adults to have a greater say in the care they receive.

The plan addresses four key areas: working with people, providing support, safety, and leadership.

Cllr Neal Brookes, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This Improvement Plan marks a significant step forward for adult social care in Blackpool.

“It has been developed openly and honestly, working alongside our staff, partners and, crucially, people who use our services. Getting social care right is not just a council responsibility, but one that all partners across the town are taking an active role in.

“Over the past six months we have built stronger foundations, addressed areas of immediate concern, and put in place the governance and capacity needed to deliver lasting change and create stronger communities.”  

Deb Butcher, Chair of the Improvement Board, added: “The Improvement Board is encouraged by progress the council has made and feels confident that the service improvement plan once delivered will address all areas raised by CQC in their report.

“A core responsibility for the council’s adult social care is the protection and safeguarding of adults who draw on care and support, and we have been assured the social work practice has been strengthened with strong safeguarding partnership oversight from the Blackpool Safeguarding Adults Board.”

Independent audits of frontline practice have been completed, with improvements already implemented, including redesigned workflows, clearer practice standards and enhanced legal literacy for staff.

Significant investment has been committed to support delivery of the plan, with more than £1 million allocated specifically for improvement activity, alongside additional funding in the council’s approved 2026/27 budget to meet rising demand.

This investment is supporting more leadership capacity, improved safeguarding oversight, stronger performance and quality assurance arrangements, and a renewed focus on workforce wellbeing and development.

Anybody wanting to make contact with adult social care services can visit http://www.blackpool.gov.uk/adultsocialcare or call 01253 477800.