Resort’s adult care service improvements praised by minister

Blackpool Council’s work to improve adult social care (ASC) services has been recognised and praised by the government’s lead on social care.

Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Social Care and Mental Health, has written to council leaders acknowledging the “progress already made” in the improvement of services.

It comes after the services were rated “inadequate” in a damning CQC report last summer.

The minister praised how the council has been “responding at pace” to the CQC findings since the inspection report in 2025.

Blackpool Council has invested £1.6m in ASC in the last year, focusing on increasing capacity, improving workforce development and governance redesign, and bringing in new expertise in senior leadership.

A recent external assessment found this was already making a difference. Overdue reviews have reduced, workforce stability has improved, and safeguarding arrangements have been strengthened.

Responding to this assessment, Ms McGovern wrote: “I recognise the commitment shown by members, officers and partners in responding at pace … and in taking clear ownership of the need to improve.

“I would also like to acknowledge the progress already made. I am pleased to read that a new senior structure has been created with additional investment to strengthen capacity and that you have taken steps to improve practice, governance and oversight.

“Such activity should lead to improved outcomes for people, and I expect this to become increasingly evident.”

Ms McGovern also praised the council’s approach to “championing coproduction” and the “positive and constructive approach taken, including its openness to support and challenge.”

The ministerial letter followed a six-month Improvement Advisor report. It confirmed that Blackpool’s ASC services progress is regarded as both positive and sufficient, and that no additional government is required beyond what is already in place.

The council had been advised that immediate, urgent improvements were needed across ASC following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission in summer 2025.

As part of the Improvement Journey since, an Adult Social Care Improvement Board has been established. This combines independent and external expertise and political oversight to drive improvement and outcomes.

Deborah Butcher, Independent Chair of Blackpool’s Improvement Board, said: “This is a clear indication that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) feel confident in Blackpool’s progress so far.

“The Improvement Board has been established to seek assurance that services continue to improve. Membership of the Improvement Board is taken from organisations involved in health and social care across Blackpool and have been influential in shaping the improvement priorities so far.”

Over the next few months, the Board will focus on ensuring that the views of people who access care and support, and those of their informal carers, are used to shape Adult Social Care in Blackpool.

Cllr Neal Brookes, deputy leader (people) of the council and cabinet member for adult social care, added: “We are all determined to make ASC stronger and more responsive to residents’ needs. So I’m really pleased our progress has been recognised by the minister and that there’s confidence from all involved that we’re moving in the right direction.

“Our plan to transform the service focusses on investment, expertise and creating better conditions for success. We know that real success will also come from listening to adults and families, to understand exactly what they want and need from our professionals, so I’m particularly pleased that our approach to coproduction has also been praised.”