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Access Social Care Data Portal

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About Access Social Care

Access Social Care is a tech enabled legal rights organisation. We are proud to collaborate with stakeholders across the social care system to make sure older people, disabled people and carers get the social care they have a right to.

About this Data Platform

This live data platform has been built to combine data from a range of sources (see below) to start to build a picture about social care provision across England. The platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to digest the data and generate a narrative about each local authority area. You can view the data by selecting the local authority below. Data is segmented into 5 categories: People with needs, Carers, Care Providers, Quality Improvement, Finances.

Get involved!

We are learning and improving the platform all the time. If you have feedback you would like to share to help us develop the platform please use the red feedback button on the right of your screen.

We would love for you to share your data with us to make the data portal even better. Please feel free to contact us at to discuss adding your data to the portal, if you would like to share your story about social care you can do so here.

What is Social Care?

It is the care and support that is available for people who need help to manage their lives and be independent. It is there to provide the support needed when a physical or mental illness or impairment causes difficulties in doing the things a person needs, or wants, to do in their life and this affects their wellbeing in some way. Wellbeing covers being happy and well in all areas of our lives and includes being able to keep safe, being able to live with dignity and having the opportunity to take part in all aspects of life, such as being a member of the local community. Social care support should be provided in a way that gives the person as much choice and control over their life as possible.

Social care in England: what we know now

Source: Monthly statistics for adult social care (England)


Access Social Care Prepare an annual report on the state of social care in England. To read our latest report, click here.

Social care in England: what we don’t know now

While there is a lot we know, there is also a lot of information we don’t know. For example, above you will see we have question marks for the number of people that need support. This is because the data is not available, even though it’s VERY important!

Throughout this report we make use of question marks (?) to show data we think is very important but we don’t have.

Why have we created this portal?

At Access Social Care, we are building a data portal to support our System Change aspirations. We have identified three issues:

  • Data about social care comes from too many places and it’s difficult to combine it all to get a full picture, otherwise known as a “data silo” problem.
  • Data about social care is complicated, and the recipients of social care are often not able to understand the data that is available to them. We believe this creates an intrinsic problem in the system, as it is difficult to advocate for change when the data is not understood.
  • There are substantial gaps in data, without which it is very difficult to understand the full picture, and how to go about reform of social care in England.

To aid with these issues, we are using AI to explain what that data is saying, and also to provide summaries of multiple data series. We are also identifying where there are substantial data gaps.

By gathering and analysing this data on social care, we aim to highlight local issues, so that you can influence policy, and drive meaningful improvements. Our goal is to create a transparent, evidence-based resource that empowers the public, advocates, and policy-makers to push for fairer, more sustainable social care solutions.

National vs Local

There are several resources available to understand national level social care data summaries, for example, the NHS Digital Adult social care data hub, or the resources by King’s Fund, for example, Social cares 360, or Social care in a nutshell.

There are also some resources available to understand local level social care data summaries, for example, the Local Government Association or the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.

With this portal, we aim to provide a detailed and nuanced view of social care at the local level, to help you understand the social care situation in your area, making decisions to limit the amount of data to a more digestible amount, while providing our own data lens. We hope that this will help you to understand the social care situation in your area, and empower you to start important conversations about local care.

How have we created this portal

Access Social Care data

The data we display in this portal comes from casework, where lawyers provide assistance to people and from our award-winning chatbot Access Ava, our 24/7 information provision system.

Helplines Data

We have also joined forces with the following agencies that have helplines for social care issues: - Independent Age - Mencap Ealing - Age UK - Scope - Citizens Advice(soon!) - Carers UK(soon!) - maybe your Helpline?

… and stay tuned, we’ll be adding more partners soon! Are you a helpline that helps with social care issues? Join the Helplines collaboration!

Data Protection

At ASC, we take data protection very seriously. All the data, whether ours or data from our helplines partners is anonymised and aggregated to provide a snapshot of the social care system without endangering anybody. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our clients and have taken additional steps to ensure that no personal data is shared in this portal, for example, respecting a minimum bin size of 5.

AI usage

We have identified that social care data can be difficult to understand, and locked (or “siloed”) into different compartments, which can make it difficult to understand the overall picture. Ideally, we would review these trends manually, but considering the volume of data, we don’t have the staff to provide this level of analysis. However, considering the latest advancements in AI, we are experimenting with using AI to analyse and summarize data from various sources. This help us to quickly identify key insights and trends, allowing us to focus on the most important issues. We are committed to using AI responsibly and transparently, which is why you will see all AI usage clearly denoted. Further to this disclaimer, we would like to invite you, the public, to help us understand the limitations of this technology, by providing feedback that we can use in subsequent training rounds. We are always looking for ways to improve our AI tools and welcome feedback on their use.

The following schematic helps explain how information flows through this portal:

Partner

This portal was made possible by a grant from JRF’s Insight Infrastructure Programme, and will be incorporated into Access Social Care’s regular programme.

📢 Join Our Call for Government Transparency around social care funding!

We are campaigning for greater openness and transparency when it comes to social care. Learn more and support our transparency campaign.

📩 Submit Data

If you have data or insights to share, please email us at data@accesscharity.org.uk.

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📺 Media Enquiries

For media enquiries, please contact enquiries@accesscharity.org.uk.

Social care by local authority

You can find out more about the social care situation in your area by using the search bar, or by scrolling down to your selected local authority below.

To view the information for that local authority, click the orange button to expand the section, where you can:

Filter local authorities:

Barking and Dagenham

📄 Read the full Barking and Dagenham report 🗣 Tell us your story anonymously

Barking and Dagenham Summary


Barking and Dagenham’s social care services show strengths and clear areas where improvement is needed. More working-age adults request and receive care here than the national average, while fewer older adults do. Demand for community care is higher, especially through direct payments for both age groups. Unpaid carers are fewer than average, but they report better social contact. Still, carers need better support in finding information about services.Satisfaction with care is slightly below the national average, and over half of people express dissatisfaction, highlighting the need to listen to service users and respond to their concerns. Though service users generally find information easy to access, carers struggle more in this area and would benefit from targeted support.Staff turnover matches the region, but there is a high vacancy rate, which risks service continuity. Recruitment and retention remain challenges but are not as severe as in neighbouring areas. Funding for social care is lower than average, with more reliance on NHS contributions.Given the area’s high population density and deprivation, focused actions are needed: increase staff recruitment, support carers in finding help, and boost engagement to raise satisfaction. These changes will better meet the community’s needs.

Barnet

📄 Read the full Barnet report 🗣 Tell us your story anonymously

Barnet Summary


Barnet is a busy, mostly urban borough, with a young and growing population. Fewer residents are aged 65 or over, and the borough is less deprived than average. There are fewer requests for adult social care, likely due to fewer older people and people with disabilities. However, most people who do need care are receiving it, showing good reach of services.Barnet provides slightly more council-managed personal budgets than other areas, but has lower rates for nursing and residential care. Unpaid carers are fewer in Barnet, but only half find it easy to get information about support—this is below the national average and needs attention. The workforce situation is strong: turnover and vacancy rates are lower than average, and fewer employers report problems with recruitment or keeping staff. Service user satisfaction is a little lower than average, and finding information is harder for both users and carers. Spending on social care is higher than average, but local contributions are lower.Improvement is needed in making information more available to both users and carers, and in raising satisfaction with services. Easier access to clear service information and more engagement with users and carers should be priorities.

Barnsley

📄 Read the full Barnsley report 🗣 Tell us your story anonymously

Barnsley Summary


Barnsley’s population is growing and getting older, with more people living with disabilities than average. There are more requests for care here than in other places, both from adults aged 18–64 and from older people. However, not everyone who asks for care receives it, especially working-age adults, suggesting some needs are not met. Barnsley also relies more on unpaid carers than the national average, and many carers feel socially isolated, though a few more report having enough social contact than elsewhere. Staffing is fairly stable with low vacancy rates, which is positive, but over 1 in 5 care providers need to improve their quality. Satisfaction with social care is high, but Barnsley spends less money on care than other areas. This lower funding, combined with high demand, could affect the quality and reach of services. Barnsley is more deprived and less densely populated, making service delivery harder.To improve, Barnsley should focus on making sure more people get the care they ask for, raising care provider standards, and finding ways to better support unpaid carers. More investment in social care may help meet local needs more fully.

Bath and North East Somerset

📄 Read the full Bath and North East Somerset report 🗣 Tell us your story anonymously

Bath and North East Somerset Summary


Bath and North East Somerset has a growing, older population, creating more demand for care, especially for older adults. The region reports lower disability rates and fewer requests for care than the national average, which may show good health or strong family and community support. Service satisfaction levels are above average, with most people finding it easy to get information.However, fewer people are using direct payments, and there are fewer unpaid carers than elsewhere. This may point to gaps in support or choice for some groups. Staffing is a significant challenge: turnover is high, and many providers struggle to keep and recruit staff, risking the quality and stability of care.Actions for improvement include boosting recruitment and retention through better pay, working conditions, and training. More support and guidance could help people benefit from direct payments and unpaid caring. Service access in rural areas and for isolated individuals needs attention, especially for those without strong networks.Overall, the area performs well, but must focus on staffing and support options to keep up with the needs of a changing, ageing population.

Bedford

📄 Read the full Bedford report 🗣 Tell us your story anonymously

Bedford Summary


**Bedford Social Care 2024: Summary and Recommendations**In 2024, Bedford had fewer disabled residents and care requests than much of England, yet provided care to a similar proportion of working-age people. However, fewer older people received care compared to the national average, which may suggest barriers to access or unmet needs.Community care is widely used, especially for working-age adults, but use among older adults is below national levels. Residential care rates are higher for both age groups, which may mean more people move into care homes than elsewhere.Unpaid carers in Bedford get more social contact, but slightly less find it easy to get information. Client satisfaction is a bit lower than average, despite more people finding it easy to access information. Worryingly, almost one in four care providers need improvement.Staffing is a significant concern, with high vacancy and turnover rates. This could affect care quality. Although Bedford spends more per person on social care, outcomes could be improved.Key improvements include recruiting and keeping more skilled staff, supporting care providers to raise standards, and making access to care simpler, especially for older residents and carers.

Bexley

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Bexley Summary


Bexley has a high demand for social care, especially from working-age and older adults, with request rates above the national average. However, the actual number of people receiving care is similar to or, for older adults, even below national levels. Bexley tends to provide more support to help people stay at home rather than in residential care.Carers in Bexley feel better supported than the national average, with good social contact and access to information. Yet, overall satisfaction with care services is lower than in other areas. People also find it harder to get information about services.There are fewer care providers in Bexley than the national average. Staff turnover and vacancies are high, which can lead to care shortages and affect service quality. Most providers find it hard to recruit and retain staff, though this is slightly better than in other areas.Spending on social care in Bexley is much lower per person than nationally. This may be limiting the quality and range of services.To improve, Bexley should focus on recruiting and keeping more care workers, increasing provider options, and securing more funding. Better communication and information could also raise satisfaction and outcomes.

Birmingham

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Birmingham Summary


**Birmingham Social Care: Key Points and Improvement Areas**Birmingham has more people with disabilities than the national average. There are more requests for care from working-age adults, but fewer people actually receive care. Many adults and older people get direct payments or nursing care, but fewer are in residential care. This could show a preference for care at home.Older adults request and receive less care than elsewhere, perhaps because there are fewer older people in Birmingham. The number of unpaid carers is also a bit lower, and many carers feel isolated and struggle to get information and support.A quarter of local care providers need improvement or are not good enough, which is higher than average. More people in Birmingham are not satisfied with their care, and many say it is hard to find information. Funding for social care is also lower than the national average, which might affect quality.Action steps include improving care quality, supporting carers more, making information easier to find, and seeking more funding. Focusing on these areas will help improve social care for people in Birmingham.

Blackburn with Darwen

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Blackburn with Darwen Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal**Blackburn with Darwen faces higher-than-average demand for social care, despite having a younger population. Disability rates are above national levels, and the area is more deprived, which increases care needs among both working-age adults and older people. Many people rely on community-based support and direct payments, indicating positive personal choice, but also a strong dependence on local services.Carers in the area report good experiences and easy access to information, which is a clear strength. However, 23.2% of providers require improvement or are inadequate, higher than the national average. Staff turnover and vacancies are also above average, affecting workforce stability and possibly service quality. User satisfaction is slightly below average, showing there is room for better support and communication.Although local spending on social care is higher than elsewhere, challenges continue. The area would benefit from improving provider quality, strengthening recruitment and retention of staff, and addressing issues linked to deprivation. Prioritising staff support, focused investment, and more regular service reviews can help raise standards and better meet the diverse needs of residents.

Blackpool

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Blackpool Summary


**Summary of Social Care in Blackpool**Blackpool has more people needing social care than most places in England. Disability rates are higher, and both adults and older people ask for social care more often. Support for unpaid carers is also needed, as many feel isolated.Most people find it easy to get information about services, which is a positive point. Satisfaction levels with care are above the national average. However, some reports show a number of people are not happy with their care, suggesting mixed experiences.Staffing is a challenge. There is a high turnover and problems keeping and hiring staff. Around 19% of care providers need to improve—higher than average—showing that care quality must get better.Blackpool also spends more money on social care than other areas, but due to high demand, this extra spending is needed. High population density and deprivation increase pressure on services.**Key areas to improve:** - Better support for unpaid carers - More recruitment and training of care staff - Focus on raising care quality across providers - Reduce delays at hospital discharge Working on these issues can help meet Blackpool’s social care needs.

Bolton

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Bolton Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal: Bolton, 2024**Bolton has a higher proportion of people with disabilities (19.3%) than the national average, leading to increased demand for social care. More working-age adults and older people receive care in Bolton than in other areas. This shows good service delivery but also suggests greater needs in the community.People in Bolton often use direct payments and council-managed budgets for their care, giving them more choice and control. Among carers, social contact is better than average, but only just over half find it easy to access information—this is an area for improvement.Workforce challenges remain. Staff turnover and vacancy rates are slightly above average, and many providers struggle to recruit and keep staff. This could hurt care quality if not addressed.Despite this, satisfaction with care is high. Fewer complaints are made than elsewhere, and more people find it easy to get service information.Spending on social care is slightly below average, but both client and NHS contributions are higher, showing shared responsibility in funding. Bolton’s higher deprivation means ongoing attention to service access is important.**Key priorities:** - Improve information for carers - Continue work on staff recruitment and retention - Plan for rising demand due to population growth and deprivation.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

📄 Read the full Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole report 🗣 Tell us your story anonymously

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Summary


**Summary: Social Care in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP)**BCP has more older people than average, meaning higher demand for care. However, fewer adults—both young and old—request or receive care compared to other areas. This may mean some needs are not recognised, or people rely more on family and community support.More adults get help in residential care homes than in other areas, but fewer use direct payments to manage their own care. Carers in BCP feel less lonely and find information more easily than most, showing strong community links. Still, satisfaction with care and ease of finding information are just below average, signalling that better communication is needed.Staffing remains a problem. There are more difficulties hiring and keeping staff than elsewhere, but vacancy rates are slightly better than average. Spending on care is a bit higher than in other areas, with both clients and the NHS contributing more.**Improvements needed:** - Check if people’s care needs are being missed- Make it easier for people to get clear information about care- Focus on better recruitment and keeping staff- Support people to use direct payments if they want more controlWorking together on these areas can help improve care for everyone in BCP.

Bracknell Forest

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Bracknell Forest Summary


**Summary: Social Care in Bracknell Forest**Bracknell Forest is a busy, urban area with a growing population. There are fewer people with disabilities and fewer requests for care than the national average, especially from working-age adults. Fewer people are receiving social care, and there are fewer unpaid carers than in many other places. Carers and service users find it easier than most to get information about services, and social contact among carers is good.Staffing in social care faces challenges. Vacancy rates are higher than average, and employers find it harder to hire and keep staff. This could have an impact on the quality of care provided. About a quarter of care providers need to improve, which is more than the national average.Most people are happy with care, but satisfaction is a little below average. Delays in hospital discharges are more common than elsewhere, even though most discharges are done well. Spending on social care is close to the national average, but clients pay a bit less.Action points: - Focus on raising care provider standards. - Improve staff recruitment and retention. - Work to reduce delays from hospital. - Listen to service users to boost satisfaction.

Bradford

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Bradford Summary


Bradford’s social care services are seeing high demand, especially from working-age adults and older people. Many more people ask for support compared to the national average. However, fewer older people in Bradford receive care services than in other areas, suggesting some needs are not being met.There are many unpaid carers in Bradford, but not enough feel supported or can easily find information about services. More help and better information for carers are needed.Satisfaction with care is mostly positive, but there are mixed opinions. Only 62% of people think it is easy to find service information, which is lower than the national average. Making information clearer and more available will help people access the support they need.Social care staff turnover and vacancies are high, and recruiting and keeping staff is very challenging. This could affect the quality of care and support.Spending on social care is lower than the national average, possibly due to high deprivation levels in Bradford. Also, more hospital discharges are delayed than in other regions.In short, Bradford should focus on improving access to care, supporting carers, increasing staff recruitment and retention, and making information about services easier to find.

Brent

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Brent Summary


Brent’s social care services support fewer people than the national average, both among working age adults and older adults. There are also fewer unpaid carers, and many carers find it hard to get information about available help. Staffing is a key problem—Brent has a much higher than average vacancy rate, which puts strain on existing staff and could lower the quality of care.Satisfaction with care in Brent is low, and people struggle to find information about services. Spending on social care is also lower than in other areas, which may affect service quality and availability.Brent has a large population and higher than average deprivation. These challenges may increase the need for social care, but current access and support may not meet demand.Improvements are needed to: - Make information easier for carers and users to find - Address high staff vacancy rates and support recruitment - Review funding and resources for social care - Listen to service users and carers to boost satisfactionFocusing on these areas will help Brent provide better care for its residents and reduce barriers to getting support.

Brighton and Hove

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Brighton and Hove Summary


**Brighton and Hove Social Care Summary**Brighton and Hove has a younger and more urban population than the England average. There are fewer care requests overall, but more working-age adults (18–64) receive care per 100,000 people than the national average. This may show that local services are effective, but also points to higher needs in this age group.For older adults (65+), both the number of care requests and those receiving care are lower than the England average, likely due to fewer older residents. Nursing care rates are high, which may suggest more complex health needs, while residential care rates are lower.The quality of care providers is good, with fewer rated as needing improvement than average. Staff vacancies are also lower than elsewhere, helping to keep services stable. Most users are satisfied with their care and are able to find information easily, but only around 30% of unpaid carers feel fully socially connected, which could be improved.Hospital discharges are handled well, but delays last longer than the national average and should be reduced. Brighton and Hove spends more per person on social care than other areas, showing strong investment. Continued focus on quicker hospital discharges and supporting unpaid carers is recommended.

Bristol

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Bristol Summary


**Bristol Social Care Summary**Bristol’s social care sector faces growing challenges with its rising and densely packed population. Demand for services is high, especially as 19.4% of residents have disabilities—higher than the national average. Community-based support is popular, but overall care requests show a strong need for continued service expansion.Carers in Bristol play a vital role, yet many feel isolated, and just over a quarter have the social contact they desire. Though access to information is slightly above average, it can still be improved for carers and service users.Staffing is a key issue, with Bristol struggling more than other areas to retain and recruit care workers. High turnover and noted recruitment difficulties affect both consistency and quality of care.Delayed discharges and satisfaction rates are areas needing attention. Although all discharges were considered acceptable, delays are slightly longer than average, and satisfaction with care is below national levels.To improve, Bristol should focus on: better staff support and retention, increased carer support, and targeted actions to reduce delays and dissatisfaction. Strategic planning and understanding local funding compared to national figures will be important for meeting future care needs.

Bromley

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Bromley Summary


**Bromley Social Care at a Glance**Bromley has a stable, mostly urban population, with less deprivation than most of England. Fewer people have disabilities and there are fewer older residents, which means demand for social care is lower than average.Both working-age and older adults in Bromley request or receive less care than in many areas. This may be because people are healthier, but it could also mean that some support needs are not being met. Regular checks should be made to ensure everyone has access to the care they need.Unpaid carers in Bromley feel more socially connected than elsewhere, which is a strength. However, fewer carers find it easy to get information about services. Improving information access would help carers do their important work better.Bromley spends less on social care but has better than average care providers. People find it easier to get information, but overall satisfaction with care is slightly below the national average. To improve, Bromley should focus on raising satisfaction and making sure no group misses out on support. Checking for unmet needs and supporting both carers and clients with clear, simple information will help.

Buckinghamshire

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Buckinghamshire Summary


**Summary:**Social care in Buckinghamshire in 2024 shows both positives and areas for improvement. Fewer people have disabilities, and there are fewer requests for care than the national average. Many residents prefer to receive care at home or with some control through direct payments, especially older people. However, fewer unpaid carers get support, and many feel lonely. Carer support must be increased.Staffing is a key issue. There are more job vacancies than average, and keeping and finding staff is becoming more difficult. This may impact the quality of care and should be a focus for action.Satisfaction with care is slightly below the national average, and not enough people find it easy to get information about services. Better access to clear information could help.Spending on social care is lower than average. This could be good if needs are lower, but it may also mean services are limited.**Key actions:** - Improve support for unpaid carers - Focus on staff recruitment and retention - Make service information easier to find - Review spending to ensure quality care for all who need it

Bury

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Bury Summary


**Summary of Social Care in Bury**Bury has a rising population and a higher rate of disability (19.1%) than average, which means more people need care. More older adults request and receive care in Bury compared to other places. However, fewer working-age adults ask for help, suggesting a need to improve access or awareness for this group.Many people in Bury act as unpaid carers, but most do not have as much social contact as they want. Support groups or respite care could help reduce isolation for carers.Staffing is a challenge. With higher vacancy rates and difficulty keeping staff, Bury must focus on better recruitment and support for care workers to avoid burnout and maintain good care.Overall, care providers in Bury perform better than average, but satisfaction with care and access to information are slightly lower. Improving information and support for clients and carers could boost satisfaction.There are also issues with hospital discharge delays, which affect patient well-being. Better links between hospitals and social care teams are needed.Bury spends less on social care, while asking clients to pay more. Making services more affordable and addressing local deprivation could improve health and social care outcomes.

Calderdale

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Calderdale Summary


Calderdale has more requests for social care than the national average, both for working-age adults and older people. This is likely because there are more people with disabilities and older adults living in the area. Calderdale provides more community-based support, helping people live at home for longer. There are also many unpaid carers, but only a small number say they have enough social contact, which means more support for carers is needed.Satisfaction with care services is about the same as the national average, but some people still feel unhappy with their care. Finding information about care is easier in Calderdale than in some places, though making this even better could help more people.Staffing is a big challenge. Many care providers find it hard to hire and keep workers. This could affect the quality of care. Calderdale spends more on social care than most places, reflecting the higher need in the area.To improve social care, Calderdale should focus on helping carers feel less alone, making information even easier to find, and finding better ways to recruit and keep care workers.

Cambridgeshire

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Cambridgeshire Summary


Social care in Cambridgeshire shows both strengths and areas needing improvement. Fewer working-age and older adults are requesting and receiving care than the national average. This may mean less need for services but could also show some needs are not being met. Support for unpaid carers is a positive, as more carers report having enough social contact than in other places. However, finding information about services is a little harder in Cambridgeshire than elsewhere—making information easier to access should be a priority.Staffing continues to be challenging, with many providers struggling to recruit and keep staff. This could reduce the quality or amount of care available. Satisfaction with care remains close to the national average, but many users still say they are unhappy, and access to information could be better.Spending on social care is lower than the national average. While this saves money, it could also limit the help people receive. Key next steps are to make support and information easier to access, address staff shortages, and better understand why fewer people use services, so no one is left without the care they need.

Camden

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Camden Summary


Camden is a busy urban area with a young population. Fewer people in Camden ask for social care than in other places, and there are fewer older adults needing help. However, those who do ask for care are often given support, especially working-age adults. Camden offers good community care for adults, helping many stay independent.Even though more money is spent on social care per person than the national average, satisfaction is lower in Camden. The number of care providers is small, and more of them need improvement compared to other areas. High vacancy rates make staffing a challenge, which can affect service quality and access. Carers in Camden also feel more isolated and less supported than elsewhere.To improve, Camden should focus on raising care standards, increasing the quality and number of care providers, and reducing staff shortages. Better support for unpaid carers and improving satisfaction with services should also be targets for action. Camden does well at helping people leave hospital quickly, but must continue working to make care better for everyone in the community.

Central Bedfordshire

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Central Bedfordshire Summary


Central Bedfordshire’s population is rising, and most people live in rural areas. Fewer people ask for or receive social care here than the national average. This could be due to better health, strong support from family and friends, or possible barriers in rural areas. Many people prefer managing their own care, but some may need help with direct payments.There are fewer care providers, and nearly a quarter need to improve, which is higher than in other areas. This limits choice and could affect the quality of support people receive. More action is needed to help care providers improve.Staff turnover and vacancies are not a major problem, which means services are more stable. Unpaid carers are slightly fewer, but many feel lonely. More support and social contact are needed for carers.People are mostly satisfied with services, but finding information about care could be easier. Funding for social care is similar to the national average, but NHS support is much lower. Boosting NHS funding would help meet the needs of a growing community.Overall, focus should be placed on rural access, improving provider quality, carer support, clearer information, and increased NHS contributions.

Cheshire East

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Cheshire East Summary


Social Care Summary: Cheshire EastCheshire East’s population is growing faster than the national average, with more rural areas and fewer people per square kilometre. There are fewer people with disabilities than the national average. However, both working-age and older adults make more requests for care, but fewer people get care compared to other areas. This may mean needs are not fully met, and there could be barriers to accessing services.Unpaid carers are common, possibly due to fewer formal care options in rural places. Many carers feel socially isolated—offering more local support and social activities could help. While most carers find information easily, social wellbeing needs focus.Care provider quality needs improvement, with more rated as “needs improvement” or “inadequate” than nationally. Staff shortages also make it hard to deliver high-quality care. Recruitment and retention of staff should be a priority.Despite challenges, user satisfaction is high, and finding information is easier than in many places. Still, people in Cheshire East pay more for social care and get less funding from the NHS, which could affect access. Action is needed to increase care availability, improve provider quality, and support carers better.

Cheshire West and Chester

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Cheshire West and Chester Summary


Cheshire West and Chester has a growing and older population, with more people aged 65 and over than average. Fewer adults request and receive formal care compared to other areas, even with more older residents. This may mean some needs are not met or that families and unpaid carers provide more support. There are more unpaid carers here, but many feel isolated and need better information and contact.The area provides more nursing care but less residential and community care than average. Care staff turnover and vacancy rates are similar or better than the region, but many providers find it hard to recruit and keep staff, which may affect future care quality.People are mostly satisfied with care services, but fewer find information about support easily. Spending on social care is above average, showing strong community investment, but NHS contributions are lower, which may put pressure on local budgets.To improve, the area should: - Make it easier to find information about services - Support unpaid carers with better advice and social contact - Offer a better balance of care options - Work on recruiting and retaining skilled care staff

City of London

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City of London Summary


**Summary of Social Care in the City of London**The City of London has a younger population, with fewer people needing social care than the national average. Fewer residents have disabilities and fewer older adults live in the city. Most people who get care use personal budgets managed by the council. There are also fewer unpaid carers, and carers report feeling more socially isolated than elsewhere, although most find it easy to get information about support.There is only one main social care provider, but service quality is good and staffing issues are less of a problem than nationally. However, delays in moving people from hospital to care are more common and last longer, which can harm patient care.Satisfaction with care is high, and people say it’s easy to find the information they need. The city spends more per person on social care than other areas, but receives less money from clients and the NHS. There is little public information about budget cuts and funding, which makes planning harder.**Areas to improve** include: reducing hospital discharge delays, supporting unpaid carers more, and making funding information clearer to help plan services better.

Cornwall

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Cornwall Summary


**Summary of Social Care in Cornwall (2024)**Cornwall has more older people and disabled residents than the national average, leading to higher demand for social care. Many people live in rural areas, and levels of deprivation are above average.Requests for care from both working-age adults and older people are higher than average. Use of community care for adults is strong, and more older people get residential care than elsewhere. There are many unpaid carers, likely due to fewer formal services in rural areas. While satisfaction with services is good, people still find it hard to get clear information.Staffing is a challenge. Provider numbers are high, but staff turnover and vacancies are above regional averages. Recruitment and retention are big concerns, which may affect service quality.Spending on social care in Cornwall is higher than in many other places, but clients contribute less, which may create financial strain.**Key areas for improvement:** - Strengthen staff recruitment and retention efforts. - Make information about services easier to find and understand. - Support carers better, especially in rural communities.Focusing on these changes will help Cornwall meet its growing social care needs.

Coventry

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Coventry Summary


**Summary of Coventry’s Social Care Services**Coventry is a growing, crowded city with higher deprivation than most areas. Fewer working-age and older adults ask for or receive social care than the national average. There may be barriers stopping people from accessing support, which should be explored and reduced.Most care is given through community services with personal budgets, but numbers are below national levels. Unpaid carers in Coventry feel more lonely than elsewhere, showing a clear need for greater carer support and better social contact opportunities.Coventry has more community care services but fewer residential providers than average. Worryingly, a high number of care providers need improvement—nearly double the England average. High staff vacancy and turnover rates make it hard to deliver quality care.Satisfaction with care is close to average, but many still find it hard to get information on services. Spending on social care is slightly less than average, with lower client and NHS contributions. This may limit local funding.To improve, Coventry should focus on boosting access to care, supporting unpaid carers, raising care quality, and attracting and keeping skilled staff. Information about care services should also be easier to find for all residents.

Croydon

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Croydon Summary


Croydon’s social care services face unique challenges. The borough has a younger, urban population and high demand for support from adults aged 18–64. Request and provision rates for this group are above the national average, which suggests services are responding well to greater need. However, Croydon has lower demand and provision of care for older residents, likely due to having fewer people aged over 65.There are more care providers than average, which helps with access, and the quality of care is in line with national standards. Still, Croydon faces a high vacancy rate among social care workers, making it harder to deliver services smoothly. Service user satisfaction in Croydon is lower than the national average, hinting at areas for improvement in how care is delivered.Carers in Croydon report difficulty finding information about services. Improving communication and support for carers is key. While financial spending is slightly below average, Croydon should focus on reducing staff vacancies and raising satisfaction levels. Action is needed to support both carers and service users and to maintain the borough’s positive access to care.

Cumberland

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Cumberland Summary


Cumberland is performing well in social care, with high satisfaction rates (70.4%) and care quality better than the national average. Most users and unpaid carers report good social contact and support. There is strong use of personal budgets, giving people more choice in their care.Hospital discharges are faster and smoother than elsewhere, and there are fewer complaints about services. Provider quality is good, with fewer care homes needing improvement.However, workforce issues are a concern. Staff turnover is high, and many providers report difficulties with recruitment and retention. Improving pay, training, and working conditions could help keep more staff.Access to information needs to be better, as only 59.9% of carers and 63.4% of users find it easy to get advice about services. More clear, simple information could improve satisfaction.Client and NHS contributions are higher than average, raising questions about affordability for service users. Reviewing funding and support may help.With an ageing population, demand for social care will grow. Cumberland should focus on workforce stability, better information access, and planning for future needs to keep delivering high-quality care.

Darlington

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Darlington Summary


**Summary: Social Care in Darlington**Darlington has a growing and diverse population, with more people living with disabilities and facing deprivation than the national average. The need for social care is high, especially for both working-age adults and older people. However, fewer working-age adults receive support compared to those who ask for help, which may mean some needs are unmet.There are fewer care providers than elsewhere, but care quality is generally good. Still, this low number may make it hard for everyone to get care when needed. Staffing is a challenge—many providers find it hard to keep and recruit staff, which could impact care in the future.Carers in Darlington give a lot of unpaid help but often feel isolated and need more social support. Most people find it easy to get care information, and hospital discharges work very well.People in Darlington pay more towards their care, while NHS financial support is below average. More support and funding could lessen the burden on local people.Action is needed to: close the gap between demand and provision, support unpaid carers, make care more accessible, solve staffing problems, and secure fairer funding.

Derby

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Derby Summary


Derby has higher rates of deprivation and disability compared to the national average, leading to greater demand for social care among both working-age adults and older people. Requests and uptake for care are above national levels, especially in nursing care, which suggests that many residents need intensive support. Despite this, spending on social care in Derby is lower than national figures. This could limit the range and quality of services.Staffing is a key challenge, with high vacancy and turnover rates. Many providers also report difficulty keeping staff, which may affect care quality and user satisfaction. Only 57.8% of users are happy with their care—lower than the national average. Communication could be improved, as fewer people find it easy to get information about services. Carers need more social support, even though access to information is good.There are strengths: carers can easily find information, and Derby’s care provider standards are in line with national levels. Delays in discharging hospital patients are shorter than average, but the number of delayed cases is still high. To improve, Derby should focus on recruitment, staff support, better communication, and increased funding to meet local needs.

Derbyshire

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Derbyshire Summary


**Summary of Social Care in Derbyshire**Derbyshire has a larger number of people with disabilities and older adults than most areas. This leads to higher requests for care, especially from older adults. More people aged 65 and over receive care in Derbyshire than the national average. Nursing and residential care services are well used by both working-age adults and older people.The county also has many unpaid carers, but access to information for carers should be improved. Carers in Derbyshire find it harder than average to get the support and information they need.Derbyshire has more care providers than most places, yet faces problems with finding and keeping staff. Many care providers report difficulties in retaining and recruiting workers. These staffing challenges may impact the quality and stability of care given.Most people are satisfied with their care and support. However, fewer people find it easy to get information about services. Improving access to information would help both clients and carers.Derbyshire spends more on social care than other places, and funding from both clients and the NHS is higher. To improve services further, the county should focus on better information for users and support for the workforce.

Devon

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Devon Summary


Devon’s social care services support more working-age and older adults than is typical nationwide, reflecting its large and older population. Satisfaction with care is high, with 72% of people happy with their support—well above the national average. Devon also offers broad options for residential and community care, especially for older adults and unpaid carers.Key areas for improvement include support for unpaid carers, who report low social contact and may feel isolated. Workforce challenges are pressing, with many providers struggling to recruit and keep staff. This likely contributes to a higher rate of delayed hospital discharges than the rest of the country.Devon’s social care funding relies more on client payments and less on the NHS compared to national figures. Better NHS funding and increased support for unpaid carers would help. Investments in recruitment, staff retention, and carer wellbeing are needed.To build on its strong service satisfaction, Devon should focus on reducing barriers for carers, improve staff recruitment and retention, and work towards faster hospital discharges. Expanding NHS partnership and ensuring accessible information for all users, especially carers and service users, will increase the impact of care services across the county.

Doncaster

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Doncaster Summary


Doncaster’s social care faces several challenges and opportunities. The town has more people with disabilities and higher demand for care than the England average. However, a slightly lower number actually receive care. Many residents, especially unpaid carers, need better support—they often feel lonely, and less than half find it easy to access information. This highlights a need to improve signposting and community groups for carers.Spending on social care is higher in Doncaster, but service users and their families also pay more, while NHS support is lower than average. This can put extra strain on those needing care. Staffing difficulties make things harder: it is getting tougher to recruit and keep workers, which may affect care quality.Satisfaction with care services is average, but finding clear information remains a problem for many. Doncaster can make real improvements by supporting unpaid carers with more social contact and information, easing costs for families, and investing in staff retention and recruitment. Making service information clearer and more available should be a top priority to help everyone get the support they need.

Dorset

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Dorset Summary


**Dorset Social Care Summary**Dorset has more older people than most places in England. Many live in rural areas. Because of this, requests for social care are higher, especially for the elderly. However, not everyone who asks for help gets support. Both working-age and older adults in Dorset receive care less often than the national average.There are good things too. The quality of care is high, with fewer poor-rated care providers than in other areas. Most people find it easy to get information, and satisfaction is slightly above average. Dorset spends about the same on care as other places, but people needing care pay more from their own pockets.Some areas need work. There are problems keeping enough staff, as well as finding and keeping new workers. Many unpaid carers feel lonely or lack support. Dorset should work harder to give more help to those who ask, support staff and unpaid carers better, and lower the cost pressure on service users.Key actions: - Fill staffing gaps and keep workers. - Make sure people who ask for care get it. - Support unpaid carers and reduce loneliness. - Look at ways to lower user contributions.

Dudley

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Dudley Summary


**Social Care in Dudley: Key Points and Recommendations**Dudley has a higher rate of people with disabilities and greater demand for social care than the national average. More working-age adults and older people are seeking and receiving care. Unpaid carers play a big role, and most carers in Dudley find it easy to get information and feel supported.Service satisfaction is good, with most users happy with their care and able to access support. Hospital discharges are managed well, with very few delays. Dudley invests more money in social care than many other areas.However, there are some areas for improvement. Almost 30% of care providers need improvement or are rated as inadequate, much higher than the national figure. This, along with recruitment and retention challenges, may affect the quality of care. Dudley should focus on raising care standards, offering more training for staff, and making jobs in care more attractive to help keep good workers.In summary, while Dudley meets many social care needs well, improving provider quality and workforce stability will help deliver even better care in the future.

Durham

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Durham Summary


Durham has a growing and ageing population, with more people having disabilities than the England average. This leads to higher demand for social care, especially among working-age adults. While challenges exist, people in Durham report higher satisfaction with care and better access to information than in other parts of the country. Carers also feel well supported.The quality of care is good, with a lower rate of providers needing improvement than the national average. Staff turnover and vacancy rates are better than other areas, but it is still hard to find new workers. Recruitment needs to be a focus to keep services strong.Although satisfaction is high, the complaint rate is above average. This may reflect greater awareness or expectations, but highlights a need for regular review and follow-up.Key areas for improvement include: strengthening staff recruitment, regular workforce support, and ensuring funding keeps up with demand. Maintaining clear information for users and carers is also important. Durham is performing well in many areas, but ongoing effort is needed to meet future social care needs.

Ealing

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Ealing Summary


Ealing’s social care faces important challenges and opportunities. More working-age adults are asking for support than in other areas, but fewer are receiving care. This suggests some local needs may not be fully met. While Ealing gives more personal budgets for community care than average, less care is offered in nursing and residential settings, especially for older people.Support for unpaid carers is an area for improvement. Fewer carers in Ealing feel they can easily get information about services. Also, satisfaction with care is lower than in other places, and more care providers need to improve their service.Staff vacancies are high, which can affect the quality and consistency of care. Ealing also spends less on social care per person than the national average, which may limit services.To improve, Ealing should invest more in staff recruitment and training, make service information easier for carers to find, and raise the quality of care. Meeting these needs can help offer better support for all residents and ensure everyone can access good quality social care when they need it.

East Riding of Yorkshire

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East Riding of Yorkshire Summary


East Riding of Yorkshire is a rural area with many older people—almost 27% of its residents are aged 65 or over, much higher than the national average. This leads to more requests for and provision of care for older adults, especially in residential homes. Fewer working-age adults seek support compared to England, but those who do receive more direct payments to manage their own care.Unpaid carers are important here, and they report feeling less isolated than carers elsewhere. People using services are generally happier than the national average, and information is easier to find. However, the quality of care providers needs attention—over a quarter still require improvement.Staff recruitment is difficult, with many providers struggling to find new staff even though vacancy rates are lower. Turnover remains high.Spending on social care per person is above average, but local clients also have to contribute more.Actionable improvements include focusing on raising the quality of care providers, supporting care staff recruitment and retention, and exploring alternatives to high-cost residential care for older adults. Adapting services for an ageing, rural population will be key for lasting improvement.

East Sussex

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East Sussex Summary


East Sussex has a higher demand for social care services than the national average, especially among working-age adults and older people. This is partly due to a higher proportion of disabled people (19.22%) and a larger older population (26.5% over 65s). The county also has more unpaid carers, who report better access to information and more social contact than average.More people in East Sussex use care services, such as residential and nursing care, and the area spends more money per person on social care. Satisfaction rates are slightly higher than the national average, but over half of people still experience problems, showing that service quality can be improved.Staff recruitment and retention remain challenging. Even with more care providers and a lower vacancy rate, many providers struggle to keep and find staff.Key areas for improvement include making services more accessible to all, supporting care staff more effectively, and ensuring higher satisfaction for all service users. Continuing to listen to service users and carers when planning services will help East Sussex meet the growing demand and improve outcomes for everyone involved.

Enfield

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Enfield Summary


Enfield is a busy, urban area with more deprivation than most places in England. In 2024, fewer people in Enfield asked for care, especially older adults, compared to national figures. This might mean some people do not know how to get help or find it hard to ask. However, more working-age adults are getting care, which shows good support for that group.There are fewer carers, so more people may need formal care. While most carers find information easy to get, many feel lonely, showing a need for more social support. There are many community care providers, giving choice, but about 17% need to improve their services.Staffing is a challenge, with a high vacancy rate, though it is not harder to recruit or keep staff than elsewhere. Hospital discharges in Enfield are better managed, with fewer delays. Most people are happy with their care, but some report dissatisfaction. Information about services could be easier to access.Enfield’s spending on care is lower than average, and residents pay more themselves. More NHS funding helps, but more council investment could improve services. Enfield should focus on raising awareness, supporting carers, and improving information and funding to meet residents’ needs.

Essex

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Essex Summary


**Social Care in Essex: Summary and Recommendations**Essex has a population of over 1.5 million, with some communities wealthier than others. Fewer people in Essex are asking for and receiving social care than the national average. This may be because people are healthier, rely more on family, or do not know how to get help. Unpaid carers are very important in Essex and more carers say they have good social contact than in other areas. Still, many carers need extra support and breaks.Satisfaction with care services is a little lower than across England. People in Essex find it harder to get information about services. Making information clearer and easier to find is needed, so people know what help is available.Staffing is a concern, with more care jobs empty than the average. Not having enough care workers can make it harder for people to get support. Essex spends slightly more on social care than other places, but uneven access means some people miss out.Key improvements: - Provide better information about services- Support and offer breaks for unpaid carers- Make care work more attractive to fill staff gapsThese changes would help everyone in Essex get the care they need.

Gateshead

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Gateshead Summary


Gateshead has a higher rate of disability and older people compared to national figures, leading to greater demand for social care. More people receive care here, especially those aged 65 and over. Service satisfaction among users is above average, and information about care is easy to find.There are fewer community-based and residential care providers than average, and many find it hard to recruit and keep staff. Although staff vacancies are low, the high challenge in recruitment and retention may affect service quality. Delays in hospital discharge are common and need urgent attention as they are much higher than national rates.Gateshead spends more on social care per person than most areas. Residents also pay more themselves, but NHS support is lower than average. This could make it harder for some people to afford care. Unpaid carers are more common in Gateshead, but they report better social contact than elsewhere.Key improvements should include: recruiting and keeping more staff, reducing hospital discharge delays, seeking more NHS funding, and reviewing client charges. Overall, Gateshead provides good care, but ongoing challenges need to be addressed to keep services effective and fair for all.

Gloucestershire

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Gloucestershire Summary


Social care in Gloucestershire is under pressure from a growing and ageing population, with more older residents than the national average. Despite a high number of requests for care, fewer people receive services, which shows possible barriers or delays in access. The county has good availability of community-based care, particularly for older adults, but the use of direct payments is much lower than the national rate—offering more choice here could be helpful.Carers make up a large group and give vital support, but very few report having enough social contact. More support groups and networks would improve their well-being. Satisfaction with care is slightly above average, yet over half of users are dissatisfied, so quality and consistency should be reviewed. There are plenty of care providers and most are well-rated, but staff recruitment and retention remain tough, even with fewer job vacancies. Initiatives to support, train, and retain staff are needed for better service stability. Spending on care is nearly at the national level, with strong NHS funding, but improving how funds are used could address gaps in care. Focusing on better access, carer support, and workforce development will strengthen social care in Gloucestershire.

Greenwich

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Greenwich Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal (Greenwich, 2024)**Greenwich has higher demand for social care among working-age adults than the national average. This is linked to higher deprivation and a slightly greater number of residents with disabilities. Older adult care requests and recipients are lower, matching Greenwich’s younger population. Personalised, community-based care is strong, with more users than average choosing these options instead of care homes.Carer support in Greenwich is good, with carers reporting better social contact and access to information than the national average. However, public satisfaction with social care is lower (57.9% vs. 64.7%), pointing to unmet needs or possible service gaps. Staffing turnover and vacancies are similar to London averages, but recruitment and retention appear less challenging here than elsewhere in the city.Funding levels for social care are below average, and fewer clients make financial contributions, possibly because of widespread deprivation. While most hospital discharges are handled efficiently, nearly a quarter of care providers need improvement or are inadequate—higher than the national rate. This is a key area for improvement.Actionable changes: invest in raising care quality, especially for under-performing providers, and increase user satisfaction by addressing identified service gaps. Boosting funding should also be considered to meet local needs.

Hackney

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Hackney Summary


Hackney is a busy borough in London with more social and economic problems than the England average. More people in Hackney have disabilities (19.2%) than nationally, which means there is a higher need for support. There are fewer older people, but more working-age adults needing different services, including help with mental health and disabilities.Hackney has fewer unpaid carers and care providers than the national average. This might put pressure on formal care services. Many carers feel isolated, and only 44.4% find it easy to get information, showing a clear need for better support and easier access to information.While Hackney’s care providers are mostly good quality, there are not enough of them, and there are many open jobs (16.1% vacancy rate). Staff recruitment and retention are easier than elsewhere in London but still need work. People in Hackney are less satisfied with care services (58.5%) and make more complaints than average.Hackney is strong in moving patients quickly from hospital to home, and NHS funding is above the national average, but client contributions are lower. To improve, Hackney should focus on increasing support for carers, raising satisfaction, recruiting more care staff, and making services and information easier to access.

Halton

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Halton Summary


**Summary of Social Care in Halton (2024)**Halton is a mainly urban area with a high level of deprivation and a greater need for care than many places in England. More people in Halton have disabilities and need support, especially older adults and working-age people. The number of people actually receiving care is higher than the national average, showing that support is reaching those who ask for help.Halton encourages direct payments for community care, giving people more choice, but fewer use managed budgets. More older adults receive residential care than average, which might mean there are limited options for care at home.Unpaid carers are important in Halton, but many feel isolated. Social contact for carers should be improved. Access to care information is good, and most people are happy with their care.There are problems in recruiting and keeping care staff, with higher vacancy levels than average. There are also fewer care providers, and more need improvement than in other areas. Halton spends more on social care than most places, which has likely led to better satisfaction.Key actions: Improve support for carers, increase the number and quality of care providers, and address staff shortages to maintain good care standards.

Hammersmith and Fulham

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Hammersmith and Fulham Summary


**Summary of Social Care in Hammersmith and Fulham**Hammersmith and Fulham is a busy London area with many people in a small space and higher than average deprivation. Fewer people ask for social care help than across England, but more adults, especially older people, receive support when needed. Most prefer to get this help in their own home instead of in care homes.There are fewer unpaid carers, who also feel less supported and have less social contact compared to other areas. Access to information about social care is harder for both carers and service users.About 23% of care providers need improvement, which is higher than the national rate, although staff turnover and vacancy rates are near average. Still, over half of providers say it is hard to keep staff.Satisfaction with care in Hammersmith and Fulham is much lower than England’s average. Spending on social care per person is close to national figures, but residents contribute much less to their care costs.**Key areas to improve** include: helping people find clear information about services, increasing support for unpaid carers, and making sure all care providers offer good quality services. These actions can help more people feel supported in their community.

Hampshire

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Hampshire Summary


Hampshire's population is growing and ageing, leading to more people needing social care, especially older adults. The area sees more requests for care than the national average but gives care to less people, which may mean some needs are not met. Many older people ask for help, but fewer receive support compared to other parts of England.Carers in Hampshire are less likely to have enough social contact and may feel more alone. Most are happy with how easy it is to get information, but not enough are satisfied with the support they get. There are also issues with delayed hospital discharges, which can affect patient care.Staff shortages and a high number of vacancies make it hard to provide consistent care. Although provider quality is above average, staff retention remains a key issue. NHS funding for social care is lower than elsewhere, which could limit available services.**Key improvements include:** increasing care provision, reducing social isolation for carers, addressing staff shortages, speeding up hospital discharges, and securing more NHS funding. Focusing on these areas will help Hampshire meet the needs of its changing population.

Haringey

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Haringey Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Haringey**Haringey is a young, urban borough with higher levels of deprivation than the England average. The number of working age adults receiving care is above the national average, which may show strong outreach or higher need in this group. However, fewer working age adults and older adults request care compared to national figures; part of this may be because the borough has a smaller older population.Haringey spends more per person on social care than most of England, yet satisfaction levels and ease of finding information about services are below average. Support for unpaid carers is a key concern: carers report feeling less supported and more isolated than elsewhere, and fewer feel able to access information easily.Staffing challenges—high turnover, vacancies, and trouble retaining or recruiting staff—need urgent attention as they can affect service quality. **Key actions for improvement:** - Boost support and information for carers, tackling isolation.- Make information on care services clearer and easier to find.- Focus on staff recruitment, training, and retention.- Adapt services to address local deprivation and changing needs.By focusing on these areas, Haringey can enhance care quality and meet the needs of its community more effectively.

Harrow

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Harrow Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal**Harrow has a younger and less deprived population than the national average. Fewer people in Harrow request and receive social care services, possibly due to strong family and community support. The borough supports more older people at home, which is positive, but relies more on institutional care for working age adults.Carers in Harrow feel better supported socially, but half still find it hard to get information about services. Service users in Harrow are less satisfied with their care (55.6%) than elsewhere in England (64.7%). Many also struggle to find service information.Staffing levels are stable, and most care providers offer good care—fewer are rated ‘inadequate’ than the national average, which is a strength. However, Harrow spends less on social care per person than most places, which may contribute to lower satisfaction and information gaps.To improve, Harrow should invest more in clear communication, better access to service information, and promote community-based support, especially for working age adults. These changes could help raise satisfaction and make sure everyone gets the care they need.

Havering

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Havering Summary


Havering is an urban borough with a healthier and slightly younger population than the England average. Social care need and demand are lower, with fewer requests for help and lower rates of support provided to adults of all ages. The council gives priority to supporting people at home, matching what most users want and helping keep hospital discharges smooth and quick.The quality of local care is good, with fewer poor ratings than average, and workforce stability is a strength. Spending is lower than elsewhere, fitting the lower demand, but this may limit future service growth as the older population expands.A key area for improvement is information and advice for users and carers. Both groups find it harder than average to get guidance about services, leading to higher complaint rates. Improving clear, accessible information—possibly using digital tools—could make a real difference at a modest cost.To build on current success, the council should focus on better signposting to services, continue supporting community-based care, and invest in staff training. Careful planning will help meet likely increases in demand and make sure that all residents can easily find and use the care they need.

Herefordshire

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Herefordshire Summary


Herefordshire’s adult social care stands out for its quality and user satisfaction. Most people live in small, rural communities, and nearly 27% of residents are aged 65 or older. The county has fewer new requests from working-age adults than average, but those who access care receive it at rates near the national figure. Services focus on supporting people at home, with high use of direct payments that offer choice.Strengths include low staff vacancy rates, good provider ratings, and higher-than-average satisfaction among users. Hospital discharge is managed well, though there are slightly more delays than the national average.Areas to improve include better support for informal carers, who often feel isolated. Recruitment and retention are growing concerns for care providers, largely because of rural challenges like travel. Carers and staff would benefit from more flexible support, improved transport, and digital access. Extra investment in community services and outreach could reduce isolation and help avoid future problems if demand rises with an ageing population.To keep up these strong results, Herefordshire should focus on connecting carers and staff, supporting rural working, and building more local services. This will help ensure care remains both high quality and flexible into the future.

Hertfordshire

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Hertfordshire Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Hertfordshire**Hertfordshire has a younger, healthier, and less deprived population than much of England, which means fewer people need social care. Most support is delivered at home through community services. Satisfaction with care is a little higher than the national average, and information is fairly easy to find.There is a large choice of care providers, though a slightly greater share require improvement compared to other areas. Staff turnover is at the national level, but many employers report problems with hiring and keeping staff. As the population grows older, workforce problems could become more serious, especially in rural areas. Financial spending matches the national average, but the council receives less money from the NHS, which increases pressure on local budgets. Support for unpaid carers is better than average in some ways, but direct financial help is limited.Key areas to improve include: strengthening the care workforce, providing greater support for unpaid carers, raising service quality in weak providers, and improving partnership and funding from health services. Early action in these areas will help Hertfordshire keep meeting people's needs as demand rises.

Hillingdon

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Hillingdon Summary


**Adult Social Care in Hillingdon – Key Findings and Actions Needed**Hillingdon has a younger, less disabled population than England overall, which keeps social care demand and spending lower. More people get care at home with council-managed budgets. Quality of care is good and hospital discharge is faster than average. However, some areas need attention:- **Carer support is weak.** Fewer unpaid carers get help or enough social contact compared to elsewhere. Information for carers is hard to find, and direct payments are very low. This could lead to carer burnout.- **User satisfaction is below average** and there are more complaints. Fewer choices in care providers and high staff vacancies might be affecting the experience.- **Workforce vacancies** are high, which risks lower quality and continuity of care.- **Spending is low.** This can limit ability to meet future increases in demand, especially as the number of older people rises.**Key actions:** Increase support and information for carers; invest in recruiting and keeping social care staff; and grow the provider market. Closer work with the NHS and careful planning can help respond to future needs.

Hounslow

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Hounslow Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Hounslow**Hounslow has a younger and healthier population than average, so there is lower demand for adult social care. Most people who need help get support at home, often through personal budgets, instead of moving to care homes. This keeps people in the community but may mean some who would benefit from residential care miss out.Support for unpaid carers is mainly through services for the person they look after, not through direct payments. Many carers feel socially isolated and do not find it easy to get information.There are fewer care homes and beds compared to national figures, and one in five providers need to improve quality, which is above average. Staff vacancies are high, making it harder to fill jobs and maintain service quality.Satisfaction with services is slightly below average, and complaints are higher than in other areas. Spending on adult social care is lower than average, but some areas may need more funding.Key improvements should focus on: raising care quality, helping unpaid carers more directly, making information easier to find, and filling job vacancies. Investing in these areas can help meet future needs and boost satisfaction.

Isle of Wight

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Isle of Wight Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care on the Isle of Wight**The Isle of Wight has an older, more rural population than much of England, with high levels of disability and need. Demand for adult social care is above average, especially for long-term support of both younger and older adults. Use of residential care is particularly high, likely due to rural distances and less family support nearby.Unpaid carers are essential but often have little contact or support. More advice and information should be offered to help them early, not only when needs become complex.Experiences with social care are positive, with high satisfaction and good provider quality. Joint working with the NHS is also effective, keeping hospital discharge delays low. However, costs are much higher than average, driven by rural travel, heavy residential care use, and fewer economies of scale.Recruiting staff is difficult, reflecting the island’s rural nature. To improve, the council should invest in home care, digital solutions, and more support for carers. Expanding the workforce and offering more choice will help meet future needs while managing spending. National funding must also match the unique pressures of this small, rural, and ageing island community.

Islington

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Islington Summary


Islington is a small, crowded borough with high levels of deprivation and disability, especially among younger adults. The council supports more working-age adults with complex needs compared to elsewhere, and offers above-average access to personal budgets, helping people have more control over their care. Older adults use fewer care home beds but need more nursing support, hinting at a need for better clinical care at home.Local service quality is good and staff retention is steady, but finding new workers stays hard. Spending on adult social care is high for the area, but user satisfaction is below average, and complaints are more common. Too many people find it hard to get clear information and advice.To improve, Islington should invest further in early, community-based help for all ages, and make first contact services and advice clearer and easier to access. Reviewing spending and sharing what works with other boroughs could help use money better. Ongoing work on pay, housing and transport will be key to keeping the workforce strong. Clearer information, better support at home, and closer work with health services will help close the gap between investment and user experience.

Kensington and Chelsea

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Kensington and Chelsea Summary


**Adult Social Care in Kensington and Chelsea: Key Points and Next Steps**Kensington and Chelsea serves a compact, densely populated area with a younger, healthier population than the national average. Demand for adult social care is lower, especially among working-age adults and older people, who often access community support or fund their own care privately.Social care services are generally rated highly by users and carers, with easy access to information and very few complaints. Service quality is strong, with very few poor-rated providers, stable staffing, and good cooperation with local hospitals.Areas for improvement include supporting unpaid carers, many of whom remain socially isolated despite good access to information. Respite and social connection services should be enhanced. Hospital discharge delays are slightly above average and need tightening, especially as the older population grows. The provider market is small and could prove vulnerable to market shocks or changing demands.Actionable recommendations: - Strengthen preventative and community support for older adults and carers - Expand social support for unpaid carers - Improve discharge processes and monitor for unmet needs - Continue tracking self-funded care to identify hidden demand The council is in a strong position but must act early to manage future challenges from an ageing population and rising housing costs.

Kent

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Kent Summary


Kent is a large and mostly rural county with a fast-growing and older population. Fewer people ask for council-funded care than in other parts of England, likely because many can pay privately or struggle to reach services in rural areas. Satisfaction for those who do receive help is high, but many older people and carers might not get support when needed.Support for unpaid carers is too low, risking their well-being and possibly increasing need for formal care in the future. The care workforce faces serious shortages, especially in rural parts, and almost one in five care providers need improvement. These issues can cause delays in hospital discharges and limit care options for some residents.Kent spends a bit more than average on social care but gets less NHS funding for joint projects, putting extra strain on council budgets. To improve, Kent should boost support for carers, work with providers to raise care quality, and find new ways to attract care staff. Getting more fair NHS funding would also help. Focusing on these areas will prepare Kent for its growing, ageing population and help maintain good care standards.

Kingston upon Hull

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Kingston upon Hull Summary


**Summary: Adult Social Care in Kingston upon Hull**Kingston upon Hull is a busy city with high deprivation and a young population facing more disability than the national average. There are fewer requests for adult social care than expected, which may mean some needs are not being met early enough. Once people enter the system, they usually get good support, especially through community-based services, giving them more control.Carers feel well supported, but more work is needed to make information easier to find and to check if enough carers are getting help. Most people are happy with their care, and there are fewer complaints than elsewhere. However, care provider quality is mixed, with some needing improvement.The workforce is stable, but recruiting and keeping staff is getting harder, so improving pay and training is important. Delays leaving hospital are rare but last longer than average, so step-down and home support should grow.Key recommendations: strengthen early help for working-age adults, support care providers to raise quality, plan for workforce needs, expand re-ablement and support for hospital discharge, and keep listening to users and carers. Keeping services strong will need careful planning as needs increase.

Kingston upon Thames

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Kingston upon Thames Summary


**Kingston upon Thames Adult Social Care: Summary and Key Actions**Kingston upon Thames has a healthy and well-off population, with fewer people needing adult social care than in other areas. Services help many people stay at home, and hospital discharges happen quickly. The number of care providers is small but stable, and most staff stay in their jobs.However, some problems need attention. Fewer people identify as unpaid carers, but those who do report feeling lonely and say it is hard to find help and information. Carer support and advice services reach fewer people than elsewhere. Overall satisfaction with care is a bit lower than the national average, and more people complain about services.Kingston spends less on social care than most councils, and receives less support from the NHS. This may impact services for carers and people who need low-level help.**Key improvements needed**:- Offer more direct and practical help for unpaid carers.- Make it easier to get information about support.- Work more closely with NHS partners to gain extra funding for joint care.Acting now will help Kingston stay ahead as its older population slowly grows.

Kirklees

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Kirklees Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal: Adult Social Care in Kirklees**Kirklees has a large, spread-out population, with slightly more deprivation and disability than England as a whole. The area faces moderate but growing needs for social care, especially among working-age adults and older people. Despite this, the number of people asking for and receiving ongoing council support is lower than average. This may be due in part to strong family networks offering informal care, but also points to gaps in awareness and access.Carers in Kirklees are more numerous and report good information access, but many receive little formal help. More attention to supporting unpaid carers could relieve the system and better meet hidden needs.Residents rely more on residential care and less on home support than the England average, which may result from limited local options. Improving the quality and availability of community-based services should be a priority, as should lifting the standards of care providers—currently more services are rated “Requires Improvement” than elsewhere.Delayed hospital discharges show the need for better coordination, especially with community and nursing care. Kirklees spends more per person and works well with the NHS; however, stronger outreach and flexible services are needed to match support to population needs.

Knowsley

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Knowsley Summary


Knowsley has high levels of illness and disability among adults, driven more by poor health than age. Although fewer people ask for support compared to the national average, those who do are much more likely to receive ongoing help—especially in the form of personal budgets to remain at home. Support for unpaid carers is strong, with good access to direct payments, but many carers still report feeling lonely and lacking social contact.The quality of care providers in Knowsley is better than the national average, and people find it easy to access information. However, overall satisfaction with care is only average. This may be due to high need in the area and challenges with staff recruitment and retention. The council spends much more per resident on adult social care than most areas, helping to maintain good provider quality and fast hospital discharges. Key improvements include increasing efforts to reduce social isolation, supporting staff well-being and recruitment, and maintaining funding for care. Clear information, continued investment, and support for carers can help raise satisfaction from good to great. Government support will remain vital to sustain current high standards in Knowsley.

Lambeth

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Lambeth Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal: Lambeth**Lambeth is a busy, urban borough with a young population and high deprivation. Social care demand from older people is low, but more working-age adults need complex support. Many requests turn into long-term care, often in nursing or residential settings. However, direct payments are less common, suggesting services might not always be person-centred.Support at home is favoured, fitting with Lambeth’s space and family needs, but limited residential care means hospital discharges can get delayed for the most complex cases. There are fewer service providers than average, but travel is easy. The workforce is stable now, but many employers say it is hard to hire and keep staff—pay and career development need attention.Carers feel more connected than elsewhere, but struggle to find information and support. Service user satisfaction is below average and complaints are higher, hinting at unmet needs.To improve, Lambeth should make it easier for carers to get help and clear information, boost home-based and ‘step-down’ care options, and keep a strong partnership with the NHS. Focusing on staff retention, person-centred support, and better use of resources can lift satisfaction and meet changing demand.

Lancashire

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Lancashire Summary


Lancashire’s adult social care faces rising challenges, with a growing older population and higher levels of disability and poverty than average. Although many people need support, fewer are asking for help compared to national figures. This could be due to issues such as service access in rural areas and lack of clear information. Once in the system, Lancashire supports more adults than most areas, particularly through community care for younger adults and residential care for older people. There are many care providers and most offer good quality services. The workforce is steady, but many employers struggle to recruit and keep staff, which may limit future growth. Unpaid carers play a major role, but many have trouble finding information and could benefit from better guidance.Hospital discharges and delays show room for improvement, especially in working with health partners. Spending is higher, but this is mainly funded by higher client charges and NHS support. User satisfaction is positive.To improve, Lancashire should focus on better access to services, clearer information, stronger support for carers, and closer work with health services. Expanding outreach and frontline advice, especially in rural areas, will help meet rising demand.

Leeds

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Leeds Summary


**Summary: Adult Social Care in Leeds**Leeds faces high demand for adult social care, with more people asking for help than the national average. This is linked to higher levels of poverty and disability in the city. However, fewer people get long-term support, hinting that some needs are not met or services are short-term. Community support, especially for older adults, is limited. Direct payments are less common in Leeds and could be used more to offer choice and flexibility.While there are many care providers, the quality is a concern; over a quarter of services need improvement, higher than the national figure. Staff recruitment and retention are difficult, which can affect care quality. Carers get advice but less practical or financial help than elsewhere—offering more respite and support could help.Hospital discharge is slow in some cases, possibly due to not enough community-based options. Overall satisfaction with care is a little below average, though access to information is good. Funding from health services is much lower than average, limiting joint working.**Key actions:** Expand community support, increase use of direct payments, improve provider quality, and strengthen support for carers. Better NHS partnership and more focus on staff could also improve services.

Leicester

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Leicester Summary


Leicester is a large, densely populated city with higher deprivation and health needs starting earlier in life. Fewer older residents mean less demand for late-life care, but working-age adults request more support than the national average. The city has a strong focus on community-based care for all ages, shown by high use of direct payments and personal budgets. Residential care is also above average, but nursing care is below.There are fewer registered unpaid carers than expected, suggesting many carers may be hidden. Carers struggle to find information, so making advice clearer and easier to access should be a priority. Provider quality must improve, as more care services are rated “needs improvement” compared to national figures. Staff turnover matches the region, but employers are finding hiring harder, so long-term recruitment plans and links with local colleges are needed.Spending on care is higher than the England average, with the local NHS covering more costs. Most hospital discharges are timely and well managed. Service user satisfaction is fair but could be improved by offering wider support. The council should continue to support home-based care, improve provider quality, and give carers better information.

Leicestershire

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Leicestershire Summary


Leicestershire’s adult social care serves a fast-growing, mainly healthy population. Demand is rising most among older people, who seek and receive care at above-average rates. The service supports independence for working-age adults but relies more on residential care than many areas for older residents. This may reduce independence and raise costs over time.The area offers care at a lower cost than the national average and has many providers, showing strong efficiency. However, care quality ratings are a little lower and information for users and carers is harder to find. Unpaid carers are common, but many lack support and social contact. More outreach and clear information could help them cope and prevent extra demand on formal care.While staff turnover and vacancies are typical for the region, many employers report difficulties hiring and keeping staff. Investment in training and staff support is needed to avoid future shortages.Delayed hospital discharges point to a need for more community support, like home care or short-term beds. Improving community alternatives, boosting provider quality, and helping carers should be key aims, especially as Leicestershire’s population keeps ageing.

Lewisham

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Lewisham Summary


Lewisham is a busy, urban borough with a young and diverse population. Demand for adult social care is high, especially among working-age adults, due to higher levels of deprivation and more young disabled residents. Older people’s needs are rising as their number grows.Care services use more council-commissioned support and fewer personal budgets than elsewhere, hinting at complex needs but giving less choice to residents. Fewer unpaid carers and limited information make it hard for carers to get the help and advice they need. The local care market is smaller and has more providers needing improvement compared to similar areas, reducing choice and sometimes affecting care quality.On the positive side, Lewisham is strong in joint NHS and council work, meaning hospital discharges run smoothly and workforce issues are under control. However, spending on care is well below the national average, which may limit service improvements and innovation.Going forward, Lewisham should focus on: raising investment, expanding personal budgets to give users more say, supporting more care providers, and improving advice for unpaid carers. These actions will help meet local needs and improve residents’ experience as demand grows.

Lincolnshire

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Lincolnshire Summary


Lincolnshire’s adult social care faces high demand due to an ageing population and rural geography, with nearly one in four residents aged over 65 and disability rates higher than the national average. Service requests are much higher than elsewhere, yet fewer people get funded long-term care, suggesting strict eligibility or unmet need.Most support is delivered through residential care, while community and home support options are less available than in other areas. Quality is a concern, with more care providers rated as needing improvement than the national average. Staff turnover and vacancies are average, but recruitment is still difficult, especially in remote areas.Unpaid carers are more common but often feel isolated and have trouble finding information. Service users report fair satisfaction, though access to support can be limited. Hospital discharges are usually quick, but delays occur when community services are not available.Spending per person on care is low compared to both national rates and local needs. To improve, the council should invest more in rural home care and community options, raise care quality, support carers with better information, and secure fair funding. This will help build a stronger, more flexible care system for the future.

Liverpool

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Liverpool Summary


**Summary:**Liverpool’s adult social care faces unique challenges. The city is young, but has many residents with disabilities, creating high demand, especially among working-age adults. Community-based support is above average, and more people receive personal budgets than in other regions. Most users are pleased with their care, and information is easy to get.There are key areas for improvement. Carers feel isolated, and fewer get enough social contact compared to the national average. Information for carers is hard to find. The quality of care providers is a worry, as more local services are rated “needs improvement” or “inadequate” than elsewhere. Hospital discharges are often delayed, with waits lasting longer than average; this means community services may be stretched.Liverpool spends more on care than most cities and gets strong backing from the NHS, which helps deliver services and fill vacancies. However, extra funding has not fixed provider quality or hospital delays.To improve, Liverpool should focus on:- Raising provider standards,- Supporting unpaid carers with more social contact,- Reducing hospital discharge delays.Building on its strengths in person-centred care will help Liverpool offer better care for all.

Luton

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Luton Summary


Luton is a young and crowded town with lower than average numbers of adults asking for social care. Despite fewer people seeking support, those who do are quite likely to receive it. Many working-age adults are placed in residential care, perhaps due to a lack of community-based services.Unpaid carers get helpful support, such as direct payments and respite care, but often feel isolated and have little social contact. Service users are less satisfied than in other areas, and complaints are higher, suggesting room for better quality and communication.Provider choice is limited, and almost a third need improvement, nearly twice the national rate. Staff shortages are a real problem, with many vacancies and employers finding it hard to recruit and keep workers. Though Luton spends less on care than similar places, this matches lower demand, but may limit quality.Key changes could include improving care provider quality through better training and helping new services start up. The council should do more to recruit local staff and support carers to connect with others. Investing in these areas will help raise quality and user satisfaction.

Manchester

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Manchester Summary


Manchester is a busy and diverse city with high deprivation. Many adults under 65 have disabilities and need social care, often more than seen in other cities. Despite many requests, only an average number receive long-term help, suggesting some needs are unmet. Manchester relies a lot on community support, which helps people stay in their own homes. But use of direct payments—where service users control their care budget—is low, so there is less personal choice.Support for unpaid carers is above average in some ways, but there are fewer carers overall, meaning some people may lack family help. The quality of care is mostly good, but staff shortages are a growing problem, making it hard to keep up with demand.Spending on care is high, but local income to fund services is low, which could cause problems in the future. Most service users are satisfied, but to improve further Manchester should focus on hiring and keeping more staff, helping people manage their own care budgets, and securing fair NHS funding. Balancing these areas will help maintain and improve services as the needs of the city change.

Medway Towns

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Medway Towns Summary


**Adult Social Care in Medway Towns: Key Points and Next Steps**Medway Towns has a young but less healthy population, with high disability and deprivation rates. Requests for adult social care are higher than the national average, especially among working-age adults. However, fewer people receive ongoing care, which may mean some needs are not being met.Most support is delivered in the community, with more council-managed budgets and fewer direct payments. Carers play a big role but feel isolated and find it hard to get information. The quality of care providers is a concern, with a much higher rate of services needing improvement than the national figure.Staffing levels are stable for now, but providers say recruitment and retention are becoming harder. This may affect care quality in future. Hospital discharges mostly go to the right place, but too many are delayed because it is hard to arrange care quickly.To improve, Medway should focus on raising care quality, supporting its workforce, and offering clearer information and more options for carers and service users. Expanding direct payments and closer joint work with health services would also help. These steps can make care safer, quicker and more person-centred.

Merton

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Merton Summary


Merton’s adult social care faces both strengths and challenges. The borough has a younger, healthier population than most places, leading to less demand for care. Service quality is good, with fewer complaints and high ratings for providers.However, there are important areas for improvement. Many working-age adults request help, but far fewer receive long-term support than the national average. This may mean some needs are not being met, possibly due to strict eligibility or not enough community options. Direct payments and personal budgets are underused, reducing people’s choice and control. Support for unpaid carers is limited, which puts extra pressure on families and may increase risks of carer burnout.Vacancy rates among care staff are high, making it hard to provide steady care. Hospital discharges are often delayed, likely because community support is not quickly available. Overall satisfaction with services is below national levels, and some people struggle to find information.To improve, Merton should expand early support, offer more direct payments, and provide better respite and flexible help for carers. Local recruitment drives or housing help for care staff could also reduce vacancies and strengthen care.

Middlesbrough

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Middlesbrough Summary


Middlesbrough’s adult social care faces high demand because of deprivation and a younger population with more disabilities. The council responds with high spending and strong partnerships, resulting in good user satisfaction (69%) and low complaint rates. Provider quality is strong, and staff turnover is in line with national rates, but vacancy rates are lower, showing success in recruitment.However, there is a heavy use of residential care, especially for working-age adults. More preventative and community support options, like supported housing and employment help, could reduce this reliance and manage future costs. The small size of the provider market gives consistent quality but may risk limited choice if any providers leave. Active planning is needed to keep the market stable.Carers report better social contact and access to information than average, helped by local advice services. Quick and effective hospital discharges show strong community support.Key improvements: increase community-based services, build market resilience, and keep investing in staff. Continued focus on digital information and early support will help maintain low crisis demand. Middlesbrough’s approach offers positive outcomes, but it must adapt to meet future needs.

Milton Keynes

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Milton Keynes Summary


Milton Keynes is a growing, mostly urban city with a younger population than the England average. Only 14% of people are aged 65+, and demand for adult social care is shaped by this. Fewer older people use formal services, and most care focuses on helping people live at home, with personal budgets and direct payments. Quality of care is high, with few services rated poorly, and there are many community care providers.Unpaid carers get more flexible support than average, but many still feel lonely and need more social contact. While the workforce is the same size as elsewhere, keeping staff is difficult due to competition and high housing costs. Spending is lower than average, limiting growth as the city ages. Hospital discharge is well organised, but some patients wait longer for care home beds.To improve, Milton Keynes should boost support for carers and reduce loneliness, plan for more residential capacity as the population ages, and find ways to attract and keep care staff. More resources may be needed as demand grows. The strengths in community care and quality should be protected as the city’s needs change.

Newcastle upon Tyne

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Newcastle upon Tyne Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Newcastle upon Tyne**Newcastle upon Tyne has a growing, young, and diverse population, with more people living with disabilities than the national average. Despite fewer older people, there is still high demand for care, especially among working-age adults. Most adults receive help at home rather than in care homes, showing a positive push for independent living.Service quality is strong, and the city is efficient in helping people leave hospital safely. Spending on adult care is higher than average, which supports smooth services and good standards. Information for carers is easy to find, and support networks are improving.However, there are areas to improve. Some people may not be asking for help early enough, especially in deprived neighbourhoods. Older residents often go into residential care rather than getting support at home. Carers feel more socially isolated than elsewhere, and service users are a little less satisfied than the national average. Recruitment and keeping staff remain a challenge, despite good vacancy rates.Key actions include: reaching out earlier to support people in need, growing home-based care for older adults, boosting social contacts for carers, and monitoring workforce stability to maintain service quality.

Newham

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Newham Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Newham**Newham is a young, busy borough with high levels of deprivation. Most care is provided in people’s homes, not care homes, especially for younger adults. This matches the area’s dense housing and strong transport links. Hospital discharges are fast, thanks to good teamwork between services.However, there are clear areas for improvement. Vacancy rates for care staff are much higher than average, making it hard to keep services running smoothly. Spending on adult social care is lower than elsewhere, with limited room to grow. Unpaid carers get little direct help, and many find it hard to get clear information and support.Older people here receive less care—partly due to their smaller numbers, but barriers like language or awareness may also play a role. User satisfaction with care and support is just below the national average.Going forward, Newham should focus on hiring and keeping more care staff, offering better help for unpaid carers, and improving access to advice and information. With a slowly rising older population, long-term planning is vital to keep up quality and meet changing needs.

Norfolk

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Norfolk Summary


Norfolk’s social care system faces several unique challenges. The county is large, mostly rural, and has more older people and disabled residents than most places. Demand for care is much higher than average, especially for older people and adults with disabilities. Many people rely on residential care, partly due to long travel times and fewer nursing homes or home-care options.While there are many care services, almost one in three need improvement, which is high compared to other areas. Recruiting and keeping staff is getting harder, especially outside towns, and this may affect care quality in the future. Discharging people from hospital is often delayed, mainly because of a lack of nurses and home carers.Spending on care is very high, but this has not solved problems with quality, staffing, and travel. Carers also report less social contact and find it hard to get information.Norfolk can improve by supporting community care in rural areas, helping providers improve quality, and making carer jobs more attractive. Stronger links with the NHS and better support for carers and service users would also help. Addressing these areas is vital as the population continues to age.

North East Lincolnshire

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North East Lincolnshire Summary


**Summary:**North East Lincolnshire has high demand for adult social care, driven by a larger older population, higher levels of deprivation, and more disability than average. The council responds well, especially to hospital discharges, but tends to use residential care and council-managed budgets more than direct payments or nursing home places. There are fewer care providers locally, which limits choice but quality is generally good.Unpaid carers get more information and social contact than in many places, but support for them is uneven and direct payments are low. Many staff work in care, but employers struggle to hire and keep people. Although delays in care are rare, overall satisfaction is slightly below national rates—possibly because people feel care is less personal.Funding is tight, with the council spending less than average and getting little NHS support. To improve, more focus on home care, helpful direct payments, and better support for carers is needed. Close partnership with the NHS could bring more funding and service options, helping more people stay independent and at home.

North Lincolnshire

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North Lincolnshire Summary


**North Lincolnshire’s adult social care system faces key challenges and opportunities in 2024. The area’s older-than-average population and higher disability rates mean more people need support, especially in its widespread rural communities. Demand from older people is high, while working-age adults request and receive less help than seen elsewhere.Access to community-based and nursing care is limited, so many residents go into residential homes, especially when home care is hard to organise at distance. There are few local providers, which restricts choice. Cash payments to service users and carers are more common than average and seem to help.Unpaid carers are well-supported, with access to information and financial help. Service satisfaction is high, and staffing is more stable than in many areas. However, the market’s small size, lack of home care agencies, and limited nursing beds are real problems. Delays in hospital discharges are dealt with quickly, but still happen a little more often than the national rate.To improve, the council should focus on growing local community and nursing care options, and continue supporting carers. Closer links with health partners and smarter use of budgets are key to meet rising need while keeping costs manageable.

North Northamptonshire

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North Northamptonshire Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in North Northamptonshire** North Northamptonshire serves around 368,000 people, with levels of older adults and disability similar to the rest of England. The area is less crowded, which means longer travel for staff and people needing support.Demand for adult social care is lower than the national average, especially among older people. This could mean fewer people need support, but it may also show it is harder for some, especially in rural areas, to ask for help. There is a strong focus on helping working-age adults stay in their own homes, but older residents are more likely to be placed in care homes than supported at home. More investment in community-based services for older people could help more stay independent.Carers in North Northamptonshire feel well-supported and find information easily. Most users are happy with the care they receive. However, some surveys suggest more work is needed to learn why a sizeable group feels dissatisfied.Hospital delays are a concern and may rise if community services are not improved. Workforce challenges are growing; more support is needed to keep staff. Funding from the NHS is low, which stresses council budgets.It is important to check for hidden need, invest in home-based services, and work closely with NHS partners to keep standards high.

North Somerset

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North Somerset Summary


**North Somerset’s adult social care faces rising demand, mainly due to a growing and ageing population and widespread rural areas. Satisfaction with services is good, with most users saying they are happy with their care. Spending per resident is high, helping to keep up quality. However, several key challenges remain.**Support for older people is much higher than the national average, and care is often given in care homes rather than at home. There are fewer community care providers and staff recruitment is harder, especially in rural areas. Many unpaid carers struggle to find the information or support they need. Too many hospital discharges are delayed, often because there is not enough help available at home.**Areas to improve:**- Build the home-care workforce by offering travel support or local training- Provide more information and flexible payments to unpaid carers- Work more closely with the NHS to speed up hospital dischargesGrowing these services will help more people live at home for longer, reduce delays after hospital, and ease the pressure on budgets as the population ages.

North Tyneside

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North Tyneside Summary


North Tyneside has a rising older population, higher disability rates, and some areas of deprivation. This increases demand for adult social care, especially for older people. The council provides more care than most areas, with good results in hospital discharge and care quality. However, satisfaction with services is low, and complaints are high compared to national averages. Many older people rely on council-managed budgets rather than direct payments, which limits their choice and control.Unpaid carers are vital but often feel unsupported and lack enough information. There are fewer care providers than average, which may limit personalisation and put pressure on the workforce, especially as demand grows.To improve, the council should promote direct payments so people can have more choice. Supporting unpaid carers with better information and services is needed. Recruiting and keeping care staff will be important, as well as investing in community-based services. Action should focus on deprived areas to reduce future need. Managing costs while keeping up quality will be a challenge, but these steps can help make services better and fairer for everyone.

North Yorkshire

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North Yorkshire Summary


North Yorkshire’s adult social care faces special challenges, mainly due to its large rural area and many older residents. One in four people are aged 65 or over, creating high demand for care. While more older people get help compared to the national average, many working-age adults who ask for support do not receive council-funded services. This gap suggests eligibility rules may need review, and better community options for working-age adults should be developed.The area uses nursing and residential care more than in other places, possibly because travel for staff is difficult and expensive. Community services are less available, especially in remote areas, so expanding these would offer more choice.Care quality is generally high, with most services rated well and users more satisfied than in many other parts of England. However, recruiting staff remains a challenge, especially in isolated areas.Spending is higher, but this is balanced by client fees and strong NHS partnerships. Discharge from hospital is handled effectively.Going forward, the council should focus on widening community care, monitoring unmet needs of working-age adults, and using digital solutions to tackle travel and cost. Sustaining quality will need creative approaches as demand increases.

Northumberland

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Northumberland Summary


Northumberland’s adult social care performs well compared to national standards, despite challenges linked to its rural location and ageing population. Satisfaction with services is above average, as are support and information for unpaid carers. Partnerships with the NHS have made hospital discharges fast and safe.A key strength is the council’s focus on helping people remain in their own homes, using community-based support and personal budgets. This matches local needs but depends on having enough skilled staff and easy access to information and digital tools. Workforce stability is good, but recruiting and keeping staff in rural areas is becoming harder, and managers worry this could worsen as demand keeps rising.Spending on care is higher than elsewhere, with clients also paying more—mainly due to the older, often wealthier population. Yet as costs and demand go up, the council must watch that no one is priced out of support.To improve further, it is important to invest in staff, digital solutions, and fair access for all. Monitoring care quality, controlling costs, and supporting carers will help Northumberland face future challenges confidently.

Nottingham

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Nottingham Summary


**Adult Social Care in Nottingham – 2024 Summary**Nottingham has high levels of need, with many more younger adults needing care than in most cities. This is linked to high disability and deprivation. Most older adults are supported at home, not in care homes. Community care is strong, but there are fewer care home beds and lower NHS and client funding than average.The quality of care providers is a concern; nearly a third are below standard, higher than the national rate. The care workforce is under real pressure, with high vacancies and staff turnover. Recruiting and keeping staff is hard, which affects the quality and reliability of care.Unpaid carers often struggle to get information and support, which may add to future problems if not addressed. Hospital discharges usually go smoothly, but delays are more common than elsewhere.To improve, Nottingham should focus on helping disabled adults earlier, investing in staff pay and training, sharing costs better with the NHS, and giving clearer information to carers and users. While services are coping for now, urgent action is needed to ensure care stays safe and effective.

Nottinghamshire

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Nottinghamshire Summary


**Summary: Adult Social Care in Nottinghamshire**Nottinghamshire’s population is rising and getting older, with more residents than the national average aged 65+. Disability and deprivation rates are also higher, so demand for adult social care is strong, especially among older people. However, while many people ask for help, fewer older residents get funded support compared to other areas. This could be due to tight rules or limited care supply.Unpaid carers are very important but often feel isolated and lack information. Improving support for carers and making advice easier to find would help families cope and may delay need for formal care.The county has many care providers and most offer acceptable quality, but workforce shortages are a problem. Staff turnover and recruitment remain challenging, risking care continuity.Most people are satisfied with services, but finding information is sometimes hard. Hospital discharge delays are higher than average, although waits are short once a plan is set. Better home-care and re-ablement could reduce these delays.Nottinghamshire works well with NHS partners, and spending is close to national levels, but client contributions are low. To improve, the county should expand community services, strengthen support for carers and staff, and improve hospital discharge processes.

Oldham

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Oldham Summary


Oldham’s adult social care faces high demand, shaped by a younger, poorer population with many residents living with disabilities. More working-age adults request help than the national average, often needing community-based care. The council supports choice through personal budgets and offers strong financial and practical support for unpaid carers. However, many carers feel isolated, and service user satisfaction is below average.There are fewer care providers compared to similar areas, limiting choice and putting pressure on services and staff. Workforce turnover is high, and staff recruitment is getting harder, with pay levels a concern. Despite this, quality ratings are slightly better than national figures, and hospital discharges are faster thanks to extra NHS funding and close joint working.Areas for improvement include expanding the community care market, offering more support to carers to reduce isolation, and making information easier to find. Early help and prevention for disabled adults may reduce long-term dependency. Reviewing charging policies could help the most vulnerable. By focusing on prevention, widening provider choice, and supporting carers, Oldham can improve satisfaction and sustainability in a challenging environment.

Oxfordshire

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Oxfordshire Summary


**Adult Social Care in Oxfordshire: Key Summary and Recommendations**Oxfordshire, with a fast-growing and mostly healthy population, sees less demand for social care than most areas. Fewer people need formal support, and fewer provide unpaid care, possibly hiding some needs when family help is missing. Most adults get less care than elsewhere, especially in the community, but use of nursing beds for older people is a bit higher. This may suggest people stay independent longer but need more help when they do enter care.A strength is the many good-quality local care providers, with high user satisfaction and low complaint rates. Carers are well supported with direct payments, but advice and information services could reach more people. Spending on social care is lower than national levels, which matches local demand, but may limit early help or community options in the future.Staff recruitment and retention is difficult, partly due to high living costs and rural areas, risking service quality if not addressed. Hospital discharge works well, keeping delays short.**Recommendations:** - Invest more in early and community-based support, especially in rural areas. - Improve advice and light-touch help for carers. - Focus on recruiting and keeping care staff. - Strengthen NHS links and joint working to make best use of funds.

Peterborough

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Peterborough Summary


**Peterborough’s adult social care faces growing challenges. The city is younger and smaller than most, but deprivation levels are high, and disability rates are above average. Fewer people ask for care than elsewhere, which could mean hidden needs—especially among deprived groups.Most people who get support use home-based care and direct payments, showing a local preference for independence. There are few care homes and nursing beds, so choices can be limited. The city’s care workforce is stable, with lower vacancies and job turnover than many areas. Care quality is good, but there are fewer providers than the national average, which means less choice and weaker competition.Care users and carers are mostly happy with services, though satisfaction is just under the national figure. Information is easy to find, but direct financial help for carers is rare, with most support given as advice or guidance.Peterborough spends less on adult care than similar councils. While low demand and a stable workforce help for now, rising numbers of older people and higher needs could cause future strain. To improve, the city should boost care home options, support carers financially, and invest to meet hidden and growing needs.**

Plymouth

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Plymouth Summary


Plymouth faces higher need for adult social care than much of England, driven by disability, deprivation, and a large number of unpaid carers. The city’s services respond with a focus on community support and personal budgets, helping to keep user satisfaction above the national average while working with less money than many areas.However, several areas need attention. Unpaid carers in Plymouth often feel isolated and find it hard to get the help and information they need. Many do not receive enough direct support, and more could be done to offer carers breaks and clearer advice. Community care providers are fewer than the national average, and this may cause small but frequent delays when people leave hospital. Also, most NHS funding for care is lower than usual, putting more pressure on the local council.Key improvements should include: giving more support to unpaid carers, expanding community care services to relieve pressure on hospitals, improving information access, and working with the NHS for fairer funding. Strengthening these areas will help Plymouth meet growing demand and give better support to those who need care.

Portsmouth

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Portsmouth Summary


**Summary:**Portsmouth’s adult social care faces high demand, driven by more people with disabilities, higher deprivation, and dense housing. There are more requests for help than average, but fewer adults get long-term support, which may mean some needs are not met. Most care is arranged by the council, not chosen by users, which can limit choice.There are fewer care providers and homes than needed, and many are rated as needing improvement. The care workforce is hard to recruit and retain, even though job vacancies are lower than in other areas. Hospital discharge delays are double the national rate, likely due to a small, stretched provider market.Unpaid carers are less visible, and many want more social contact, but the council is good at giving them information and support. Overall user satisfaction is slightly below average, though access to advice is better.The main areas to improve are: growing the number and quality of care providers, especially in community and home settings; making it easier for people to get direct payments and choose their care; supporting unpaid carers; and pushing for fairer funding to cope with Portsmouth’s high needs.

Reading

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Reading Summary


**Summary:**Reading is a young, urban borough with fewer older people and lower disability rates than average. This means less demand for adult social care, but there could be hidden needs if some residents are missing out or being turned away early.Most support for working-age adults is given through council-managed personal budgets, giving people more control. However, direct payments are less common and service choice is limited. For older people, nursing home use is a bit higher, but fewer get support to stay at home—a challenge for renters with smaller homes.Only 6% of residents are unpaid carers, but many feel unsupported—few get direct help, and most struggle to find information. Carers’ needs must become more central to local planning.Reading has fewer care providers than expected for its size, and quality is a concern, with more services needing improvement than nationally. Staffing and recruitment are difficult, risking poorer care.Hospital discharges are often delayed due to limited care at home or in residential settings. Spending is much lower than average, but low funding affects quality, capacity, and patient flow.To improve, Reading should focus on building its care market, improving carer support, and raising service quality to meet both current and future needs.

Redbridge

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Redbridge Summary


Redbridge’s adult social care works well for a young and active community. Fewer people need help compared to other areas, and most prefer to get support at home, showing success in encouraging independence. Service user satisfaction is strong, and provider quality is better than the average for England. Joint working with the NHS means people leave hospital quickly, with far fewer hospital delays than elsewhere.There are, however, areas to improve. Support and information for unpaid carers is currently low, and more could be done to find and help people who care for loved ones. Vacancies in the workforce are slightly high, so new ways to recruit and train care workers locally should be tried. Spending on care is lower than average, which matches current needs, but as the number of older people grows, demand will rise.Key actions include: better outreach to carers; planning for more older residents in the future; supporting workforce recruitment; maintaining high quality among providers; and working more closely with the NHS to secure funding. These changes will help Redbridge adult social care continue to meet people’s needs as the local population changes.

Redcar and Cleveland

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Redcar and Cleveland Summary


Redcar and Cleveland faces high demand for adult social care, especially among older people and working-age adults with disabilities. Demand is driven by a larger older population, more disability, and higher deprivation than much of England. Most support is delivered in the community, letting many people stay at home, which is positive. Care provider numbers are low for the size of the area, and staff recruitment is difficult, especially in rural places where transport is a challenge.Satisfaction with care is close to the national average, though slightly lower, and users find it easier to get information compared to elsewhere. Carers receive less direct formal support, which suggests they rely heavily on the community, but more funding and focus on carer services could help.The local council spends more than average per resident, helped by high client and NHS contributions. While hospital discharge performance is strong, the thin provider market and staffing issues could cause future risks. To improve, the council should grow and support the provider market, help staff to work in rural areas, and strengthen support for carers. Preventative services and continued joint working with the NHS are also key to maintaining quality and value for money.

Richmond upon Thames

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Richmond upon Thames Summary


Richmond upon Thames provides adult social care to a smaller but generally healthier and wealthier population than most areas. Fewer residents need council support, and more can pay for care themselves. The council spends less than average but achieves above-average satisfaction and good quality in care. Carers feel well-connected and informed, and care staff turnover and vacancies are low, showing good workforce stability.However, some challenges remain. Discharge delays from hospital are more common than nationally, likely due to high costs and limited residential places, though these are resolved quickly. As the older population grows, the council will need to expand affordable care options and ensure there is enough support available after hospital stays.There is also a need to maintain strong advice and information services for residents organising their own care. Richmond’s success shows the importance of helping people make informed choices and focusing on preventive support. Future planning should prioritise growing community capacity and keeping care affordable, aiming to meet rising demand without large spending increases.

Rochdale

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Rochdale Summary


Rochdale’s adult social care supports a young, diverse, and often deprived community. Demand for care is above the national average, especially among working-age adults, and most people are happy with the help and advice they receive. The council focuses on giving users choice and supports many with personal budgets and direct payments. For older people, however, fewer receive formal support and many rely on unpaid carers.There are some areas needing improvement. Rochdale has fewer care providers than similar areas and more services rated as needing improvement. Older people have less access to community-based support compared to the working-age group, with a heavy focus on residential care. Carers are less likely to receive direct help, even though many provide support.To improve, Rochdale should grow its care provider market, raise the quality of services by investing in staff training, and increase community personal budgets for older adults. More formal support for unpaid carers is needed to prevent burnout and keep the system working well. Continuing to use extra NHS funding wisely and focusing on early action will help Rochdale remain resilient as local needs grow.

Rotherham

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Rotherham Summary


**Summary:**Rotherham’s adult social care is under strong pressure due to higher disability, older age, and greater deprivation than other areas. Many working-age adults and older people ask for support, often because health problems linked to deprivation start earlier and few can pay for care privately. More people receive council-managed services than the national average, but not as many use direct payments. Encouraging self-managed care could help residents take more control.Unpaid carers in Rotherham do much, but get little direct support. More practical help for carers is needed and could prevent future crises. The local care provider market is small, which may limit choice and push up costs, but the quality of care is steady.While most people are happy with services, carers often lack social contact. Boosting support here should be a focus. Hospital discharges work well, yet delays are still common, likely due to limited residential care places.Rotherham spends more per person than average but struggles to get enough funding from the NHS and user fees. To improve, the borough should invest in early support, promote direct payments, provide better carer support, and seek fairer funding from partners.

Rutland

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Rutland Summary


**Adult Social Care in Rutland: Key Findings and Action Points**Rutland is a small and rural county with an older, healthier population than most areas. Many older people request care, but fewer actually receive council-funded, long-term help. This may be because some residents use private services or do not need as much support. More older people live here than the national average, so requests for help are high, especially to allow people to stay independent.The use of residential care for older adults is greater than in other areas, but nursing home and home care numbers are low. Carers say it is easy to find information, but many still feel lonely—better social contact and support for carers is needed.The social care market works well overall, but recruiting staff is getting harder due to travel distances and competition for workers. Close NHS partnerships help people leave hospital quickly and safely.To improve, Rutland should expand flexible home care, support unpaid carers better, and continue joint work with health partners. Care remains good for those who qualify, but meeting future demand—especially in rural communities—needs careful planning and support.

Salford

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Salford Summary


**Salford Social Care: Summary and Recommendations**Salford is an urban city with a young, fast-growing population and high rates of deprivation. Despite only 12.9% of residents being over 65 (below average), 21% of adults are disabled—suggesting wider health and poverty issues affecting younger people.Demand for social care is high among working-age adults, with the council focusing on home-based support through personal budgets. For older adults, service use is also above average, mainly via home care rather than care homes.Informal carers play a key role, but many feel isolated and lack enough social contact. Information for carers is accessible, but more support and respite could improve their wellbeing.Salford’s care services are mostly of good quality but lack choice due to a small provider market. Staffing is steady but recruiting and keeping staff is tricky, which could hinder growth.Hospital discharge is quick, and most service users report good satisfaction. However, funding is low compared to England, with Salford relying on strong NHS partnerships and no client charges.**Key areas for improvement:** - Expand respite and social support for carers - Grow provider options to offer more choice - Address recruitment challenges for care staff - Secure more funding to match Salford’s rising needs

Sandwell

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Sandwell Summary


Sandwell is a densely populated, deprived area with about 348,000 residents. Its population is younger than the national average, but more people live with disabilities. Demand for adult social care is high, especially among working-age adults, yet fewer people receive long-term support than similar areas. This suggests strict eligibility or reliance on short-term or voluntary help, which may leave needs unmet.Nursing care use is higher than average, but options for personalised, direct payments are limited. Unpaid carers are vital and feel well-supported socially, but struggle to find clear information. The care provider market faces quality challenges, with nearly 30% rated as “requires improvement” or “inadequate.” Workforce retention and recruitment are ongoing issues, while spending per head is below average.Sandwell’s hospital discharge process is strong, and user satisfaction is just above the national rate. However, with population growth and continued deprivation, pressures will increase.Key actions needed are: improving provider quality through better contract checks, increasing access to community and direct-pay services, and making information for carers and users simpler and easier to find. This will help ensure safe, high-quality care as needs rise.

Sefton

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Sefton Summary


Sefton has a growing, ageing population with higher-than-average deprivation. Many older people need support, and more are using social care than in other areas. Satisfaction with services is good, but getting information and support for carers can be difficult. Too many people end up in care homes, partly because there are not enough community care options or extra-care housing. Many carers work unpaid but feel isolated and lack information.Staffing shortages and higher spending add further pressure. Discharge from hospital to social care is often slow, with bed availability a problem. The council spends more than average, with most of the money going on traditional residential care.To improve, Sefton should expand community care and home-based support, offer more information and respite for carers, and promote direct payments for users. This will help people stay independent and take pressure off care homes and hospitals. Investing in recruiting and retaining care staff is also important. Better support for carers, improved information access, and a stronger community care market will help keep services affordable, responsive, and high quality for the future.

Sheffield

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Sheffield Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal – Adult Social Care in Sheffield**Sheffield has more people living with disability and deprivation than most cities in England, increasing the need for adult social care. The city responds by spending more than average and offering strong community-based support, helping more people stay at home instead of moving into care homes. There are more care providers than average and only a small number rated poorly, which gives people more choice.However, satisfaction with services is still lower than in other places. Many users and carers find it hard to get the information they need, and delays with hospital discharges are above the national average. Recruitment and staff retention remain challenging, even though vacancy rates are low. NHS funding for social care is also lower, putting pressure on council budgets.Areas for improvement include: better support and clear information for unpaid carers, improved working with the NHS, and faster access to care after leaving hospital. Focusing on staff recruitment and retention will help ensure good care as needs rise. Sheffield’s commitment to community care is a strength, but stronger partnerships and clearer pathways could increase satisfaction and reduce delays.

Shropshire

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Shropshire Summary


Shropshire provides adult social care that matches national standards, with excellent work on moving people out of hospital quickly and safely. The county’s older and scattered population shapes the main challenges. Many people live far from services, which raises costs and makes it harder for them and carers to get support. Demand for help is strongest among people aged 65 and above. More guidance and information are needed, partly because residents find services hard to reach. There is a high use of nursing care for older adults, likely driven by frailty and distance from hospitals. Unpaid carers do a lot, but most get little formal help and many feel isolated. Only a fifth have as much social contact as they wish. Supporting carers better—through short breaks, payments or digital resources—should be prioritised.While staff turnover and vacancies are in line with national rates, many providers say it is getting harder to recruit and keep workers—long travel, unsocial hours and housing costs are barriers.To improve, Shropshire should expand community and digital support, better aid unpaid carers, and attract care staff. Good relationships with the NHS are an asset to protect. Regular checks on quality and capacity will help services stay strong.

Slough

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Slough Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Slough**Slough is a small, crowded borough with high deprivation. Although it has fewer older people than the national average, the older population is slowly rising. Demand for adult social care is lower than in most areas, possibly because of cultural factors or barriers to access, not just lower need. Most support keeps people at home, especially working-age adults, but the number of people using services is much less than average.Carer support needs improvement. Fewer carers are recorded and many find it hard to get information or enough social contact. Satisfaction with care is much lower than the England average and the care market is small, with a high number of providers needing improvement. Workforce issues are serious: vacancies are high and managers struggle to recruit and keep staff.Despite these challenges, hospital discharges are handled quickly. Slough spends less on care than other areas, which matches lower caseloads but could risk unmet needs. The borough should focus on growing its care provider market, offering more help to unpaid carers, and reducing staff shortages to improve quality and meet future needs.

Solihull

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Solihull Summary


Adult social care in Solihull benefits from strong service quality, high satisfaction, and good funding. Most people find it easy to get help, and hospital discharges work very well. Fewer requests for care come from both working-age adults and older people than the national average, which may be thanks to good support in the community and from unpaid carers.The area has many older residents, which could increase demand for care in the future. Nursing home use for older adults is high, while other community options are used less often. More community support should be developed to offer choice and help people stay at home longer.Unpaid carers receive good support and information. However, many still feel lonely and want more social contact, showing a need for better respite services and more ways to connect.The system is well funded but faces staff shortages and difficulties keeping workers, which could affect care quality over time. Continued effort is needed to make recruitment and retention easier.In summary, Solihull performs well but should expand community care, offer more support to carers, and focus on keeping enough skilled staff.

Somerset

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Somerset Summary


Somerset’s adult social care faces big challenges from its fast-growing and ageing population. Older people make more requests for help than the national average, but fewer get long-term support, which could mean hidden needs are not being met. Support for unpaid carers is limited, even though Somerset relies on them more than other places.There are many care providers in Somerset, and most meet quality standards. However, delays in leaving hospital are higher than average, often due to not enough home care and staff shortages. More older people are in nursing homes, likely because home-care is harder to deliver in rural areas.Spending is above average, helped by strong NHS funding, but most of it goes to care homes, not community services. Staff recruitment is very difficult, especially in rural areas, and this pushes Somerset to use more nursing beds.To improve, Somerset should make it easier for carers to get support, like breaks or small payments, and encourage new staff with better pay and training. There should also be a stronger focus on home-based care. These changes will help meet the needs of an ageing community and keep social care sustainable.

South Gloucestershire

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South Gloucestershire Summary


**Summary: Adult Social Care in South Gloucestershire**South Gloucestershire has a healthier and less deprived population than much of England, resulting in lower demand for care among working-age adults. However, support requests from older adults are rising, as this group grows and is more aware of available help. Once people seek care, most working-age adults get formal support, but fewer older adults receive long-term help compared to national figures. This could mean some needs are not being fully met.The area relies heavily on community-based care. The provider market is small but strong, with low rates of poor-quality services. However, this limits choice, especially in rural areas, and can create workforce challenges, including difficult staff recruitment and retention. This, together with a smaller provider base, can delay hospital discharges.Carer satisfaction is low, with too many feeling isolated and not enough use of local carer services. While council spending is high and user satisfaction above average, more work is needed. Key improvements should focus on expanding home care options, increasing NHS contributions, strengthening the workforce, and offering better information and support to unpaid carers.

South Tyneside

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South Tyneside Summary


**Adult Social Care in South Tyneside: Summary and Recommendations**South Tyneside faces high demand for adult social care, with many residents living with disability or age-related needs. The area is more deprived than most, which adds to the challenge. Although a good number of people receive support, especially among older adults, younger adults are less likely to access long-term services.Most care is given through personal budgets in the community, and many unpaid carers play a vital role. However, only three in ten carers feel they have enough social contact, suggesting more support is needed.The local care market is small but shows good quality. Staff shortages are not as bad as elsewhere, yet recruiting remains difficult. Spending is well above average, but user satisfaction is slightly below national rates, and complaints are higher.Key areas to improve include:- Expanding community-based support, such as nursing care at home, to reduce pressure on hospitals.- Giving more help to unpaid carers.- Working with local colleges and job centres to train and attract more care workers.Increasing choices and focusing on personal outcomes are vital as needs grow.

Southampton

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Southampton Summary


Southampton is a busy, young city with higher deprivation, putting extra demand on adult social care. There are many requests for support, especially from working-age adults and people with disabilities. However, fewer people get long-term care than the national average, which could mean needs are not always met. Community support and direct payments are less used, which may limit people’s choice and flexibility.For older adults, fewer receive services and home-care capacity seems low. The city focuses more on nursing beds and high-need cases, instead of early help at home. Support for unpaid carers also needs attention, as fewer carers get enough information or services, and some get no support at all.There are fewer care providers than average, making it harder to grow services. Workforce issues like high turnover and problems with recruitment may reduce quality and cause delays after hospital stays.User satisfaction is good, but carers are less happy. To improve, Southampton should develop more home and community care, make direct payments easier, and give better support and information to carers. More NHS funding could also help reduce delays and meet growing needs.

Southend-on-Sea

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Southend-on-Sea Summary


**Adult Social Care in Southend-on-Sea – Summary**Southend-on-Sea has a growing, older population and higher rates of disability, leading to steady and sometimes complex demand for social care. The council meets most needs through community support and personal budgets, especially for both working-age and older adults. This helps individuals stay at home and supports good hospital discharge rates—almost all patients leave hospital on time.Unpaid carers are more active than average, and most find it easy to get information, but support relies more on signposting than direct help. The care market is small and has a higher rate of lower-quality services than elsewhere, narrowing choice for residents. Workforce shortages and recruitment challenges also put pressure on service quality and growth.Spending is above average, but more of the cost falls on residents, not the NHS. This setup risks increasing financial inequality for less wealthy families. To improve, the council should work to increase provider quality, make charging rules fairer, and strengthen joint work with the NHS to unlock more funding. Expanding high-quality, affordable community care is key to meeting future needs and supporting local people well.

Southwark

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Southwark Summary


Southwark is a busy, young, and diverse borough with high levels of deprivation. Fewer residents are over 65, so formal requests for care are low, yet many who do ask for help receive ongoing support. Most care takes place at home, not in care homes, and the council manages many community services. However, the number of care providers is low, and nearly a quarter are rated below good, which affects satisfaction. Users and carers find it hard to get clear information about services, and most carers receive little formal help.Southwark spends less on adult social care than the national average. Client contributions are lower, likely because of lower incomes. Hospital discharges are mostly quick, though tricky cases sometimes get delayed due to limited community care options.Key issues to address include: increasing the number and quality of care providers, improving access to information for users and carers, and offering more direct support to carers. The council should focus on building a stronger provider market, especially in home care, and raising standards. Closer links between hospital and community care could speed up discharges. As Southwark’s population ages, these steps will be essential to meet growing needs.

St. Helens

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St. Helens Summary


**Adult Social Care in St Helens: Summary and Suggestions**St Helens has a smaller, older, and more deprived population than average, with high levels of disability. This leads to many requests for adult social care, much higher than the England average. The council helps more people per head, especially older residents, mainly through personal budgets that let people stay at home. Use of nursing care is high, but residential home use is average.Unpaid carers play a big role, but many want more social contact, suggesting support for them should improve. The care provider market is small but generally good quality, though it could lack strength if a main provider leaves. Staff shortages may grow, so recruiting and keeping staff should be a focus.Links with the NHS are strong, helping people leave hospital quickly. Spending on care is above average and keeps up with demand, but reliance on a few providers may be risky.**Key improvements to consider:** - Increase help for unpaid carers and boost their social wellbeing - Grow the number and type of care providers - Invest more in recruiting and training staff - Focus on preventing poor health to reduce future care needs

Staffordshire

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Staffordshire Summary


Staffordshire’s adult social care system is shaped by its large, rural area and an ageing population, now over 22% aged 65 or more—higher than the national average. Demand for care is especially high among older adults, while hidden needs may exist due to low numbers of specialist support requests and the challenges in reaching remote residents.Most care is given in the community, fitting for rural life, and there is a broad choice of providers. However, care quality needs improvement: over 20% of services are rated below average, and recruitment and retention difficulties are rising. Many unpaid carers help relatives and friends, but they receive little direct financial support. This puts pressure on both carers and formal services.Resident satisfaction is strong, but more people complain when care fails. Spending per resident is lower than average; clients pay more than in other areas, and fewer costs are shared with health partners, which may not last if needs increase.Key areas for improvement include: increasing financial support for unpaid carers; helping struggling care providers improve quality; and easing workforce issues with better wages, career opportunities, and help with travel. Monitoring in remote areas should strengthen to spot hidden needs early.

Stockport

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Stockport Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal Report: Adult Social Care in Stockport**Stockport’s adult social care meets higher-than-average needs from an older and more disabled population, with strong local demand for support. The council successfully encourages independent living, using personal budgets and home-based help, and user satisfaction is well above the national average.Key strengths include generous financial support for unpaid carers and a steady care workforce. Spending on social care is higher than average, suggesting investment is reaching people who need it.However, areas for improvement remain. Despite generous carer payments, carers report less social contact and less ease finding information, showing a need for better emotional and practical support. Too many care providers are rated below standard, and hospital discharge delays are above average, pointing to tight capacity and quality issues in local services. While the workforce is stable, recruiting and retaining staff is becoming harder.To improve, Stockport should focus on: - increasing support networks and information for unpaid carers, - helping care providers raise quality, - easing pressure points like hospital discharge delays, - and supporting care staff.Targeted action on these points will help keep satisfaction high, care safe, and services sustainable for the future.

Stockton-on-Tees

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Stockton-on-Tees Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal: Adult Social Care in Stockton-on-Tees**Stockton-on-Tees serves over 202,000 people, with rising numbers of older residents and many living with disabilities. Requests for adult social care are slightly above national rates for both working-age adults and older people. More people get direct payments, showing strong support for personal choice, but use of council-led community services is low. This may mean limited community options or a preference for personal budgets.Unpaid carers play a bigger role here than in most places, and the council supports them well with higher direct payments and good access to information. This helps reduce the need for formal care, but carers need continued support to avoid burnout.Only a small number of care providers operate in the borough, making the local market fragile, although quality is generally good. Workforce issues—especially difficulties in recruitment—contribute to long hospital discharge delays, causing pressure across the system. Funding is below average while demand stays high.To improve, the council should expand community-based services, keep backing unpaid carers, and work closely with health services to cut hospital delays. These steps are vital to secure a sustainable and effective care system as local needs keep growing.

Stoke-on-Trent

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Stoke-on-Trent Summary


Stoke-on-Trent faces very high demand for adult social care, mostly due to higher levels of disability and deprivation among residents. Working-age adults request support much more than the national average, but fewer receive long-term help, suggesting possible unmet needs or strict eligibility. Older people are more likely to get care.The city strongly relies on arranged community services, but rarely offers personal budgets or direct payments, limiting choice. There are fewer local care providers than average, and almost one in four are rated below good, making quick placements and quality care harder. Workforce shortages and turnover are ongoing challenges, with most employers struggling to recruit or keep staff.Informal carers play a big part, and many report good social contact, but few get financial or practical support. Service satisfaction is average, but information is harder to find than elsewhere, which could delay early help.Funding and hospital discharge are positive areas, helped by strong NHS links. To improve, Stoke-on-Trent should focus on supporting carers, making information easier to access, encouraging personal budgets, and helping local providers and staff. Prioritising quality and capacity will help residents get the right care at the right time.

Suffolk

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Suffolk Summary


Suffolk serves a mostly rural and ageing population, with more older people than the England average. Demand for adult social care is high in total, especially for older adults, but the rate per head is slightly below national levels. Community support is strong for working-age adults, yet older people are more likely to be cared for in residential settings than elsewhere.Unpaid carers in Suffolk are plentiful and receive good financial support, but many feel isolated and lack enough social contact. Carers also struggle to find information. This highlights a key area for improvement: more flexible, targeted support for carers, such as digital peer groups or mobile respite services.Service user satisfaction is high, and provider quality is generally above average. However, workforce challenges persist, with recruitment and retention harder in rural areas. Investing more in travel support for staff and digital solutions for remote care can help address this.Suffolk spends more than average on social care, funding most costs locally. This supports strong services now but may be hard to sustain long-term. Diversifying carer support, boosting community care options, and closer NHS partnerships are recommended for the future.

Sunderland

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Sunderland Summary


**Summary: Sunderland Adult Social Care**Sunderland has a high level of social care need, as many people are older, disabled, and live in deprived areas. The city responds well: more money is spent than in many places, services are generally good quality, and most users feel satisfied. Complaints are low, and most people can return home from hospital quickly.However, there are areas to improve. Sunderland uses care homes a lot, especially for older adults, and less often supports people to live at home or make their own choices through direct payments. Carers are numerous, but few get direct financial help. There are fewer care providers than average, and this could mean less choice for users.Staff turnover is stable for now, but many say it is hard to recruit and keep workers. More investment in community care, more direct payments, and better carer support would help people stay independent and reduce costly care home demand. Working together with the NHS could make hospital discharge smoother. Sunderland should make workforce planning a top priority to keep standards high as needs grow.

Surrey

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Surrey Summary


Surrey has a prosperous, healthy population, but faces unique challenges in adult social care. Although fewer residents have disabilities than average, the number of older people is rising, increasing the need for care. Support for working-age adults and older people is mostly through nursing or residential placements, with fewer community-based or personalised services than elsewhere. This could mean some people are missing out on support at home.Unpaid carers in Surrey get less help than in other areas and many struggle to find information or get enough social contact. This lack of support risks burnout, which can lead to higher demand for council services and longer hospital stays.While most care providers are rated good, the sector struggles with high job vacancies and staff turnover, making it harder to deliver care at home and delaying hospital discharges.Service users report high satisfaction, but carers’ experiences are less positive. To improve, Surrey should invest more in community support, offer better help to unpaid carers, and work with providers to make care jobs more appealing. With strong resources and good providers, Surrey can make these changes to help people live well at home.

Sutton

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Sutton Summary


Sutton is a mainly urban borough with a young, healthier population and lower levels of deprivation than the national average. Demand for adult social care is below England’s level, with fewer requests for support from both working-age adults and older people. This reflects local demographics but may also mean some residents are not aware of, or find it hard to access, the support they need.The council focuses on helping people live independently at home, which works well, but there are key areas to improve. Many carers feel isolated and do not get enough practical support. Delays in hospital discharge are higher than average, possibly due to limited care home beds and staff shortages. While staff retention is steady, vacancy rates are a concern for the future.Satisfaction with care is lower than the national average, especially when it comes to finding clear information. To strengthen its social care offer, Sutton should boost support for unpaid carers, improve communication, and develop more step-down care options. Filling workforce gaps and investing in intermediate care could also help. The council already works well with health partners, offering a strong base for these improvements.

Swindon

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Swindon Summary


Swindon provides adult social care to a smaller, less deprived, and younger population than many English councils. Demand and spending are both below average, and the quality of care is strong, with good support for unpaid carers. Hospital discharge processes work well, and complaints remain low. However, there are some important areas to improve. Staff vacancies are high (11.9%) and many managers find recruitment difficult. This can lead to shorter visits and less satisfied service users, whose satisfaction is already a bit below average. Also, Swindon has fewer care providers than similar councils, which limits choice for residents.Key actions include developing a strong workforce plan focused on better pay, career opportunities, and using new technology to support staff. Encouraging more providers to enter the market will increase choice and resilience. As the local population grows older, planning for increased funding will also be important to keep meeting needs.In summary, Swindon’s social care is performing well, but urgent steps on staffing and market growth are needed to maintain and improve services for the future.

Tameside

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Tameside Summary


**Tameside’s adult social care faces high demand, especially due to higher levels of deprivation and disability among residents, compared to the national average. Many older adults need care earlier in life and at greater rates. The council is good at matching eligible people to the right support, with community care preferred for working-age adults. However, there is a heavy reliance on residential care for older people, likely due to fewer community-based options and limited family support.****While most residents say they are satisfied with services, the quality of care providers is not as strong as elsewhere, and there are fewer providers overall. Workforce vacancies are low, but managers warn that staffing is under pressure. Hospital discharges are well managed, thanks to strong NHS partnership. Unpaid carers are common, but most receive very little formal support; reaching more carers with information and services is an urgent priority.****To improve, Tameside should focus on increasing the number and quality of community providers, boost direct payment take-up, and expand support for carers. More resources or greater efficiency will be needed in the future, to make sure that residents can access fair and effective care as demand keeps rising.**

Telford and the Wrekin

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Telford and the Wrekin Summary


**Adult Social Care in Telford and the Wrekin: Summary**Telford and the Wrekin faces high levels of disability and deprivation, leading to increased need for adult social care, especially among working-age adults. However, the number of people seeking and receiving formal care is lower than expected. This suggests there could be hidden need and some adults may not be getting enough support. Targeted outreach can help identify and assist these individuals.The area is strong in community-based care and good at moving people out of hospital quickly through close teamwork. Most users are satisfied with their care, and information about services is easy to find. However, too many care providers are rated “requires improvement” or worse, and staff shortages are a big issue, risking future quality. Investing in workforce training, pay, and career opportunities could help recruitment and retention.Unpaid carers report feeling lonely, despite good access to information. More social and respite opportunities are needed for carers. Overall, while the foundation is good, success depends on improved service quality, more support for carers, and targeted efforts to find and assist those most in need.

Thurrock

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Thurrock Summary


**Summary: Adult Social Care in Thurrock**Thurrock has a young and slightly healthier population compared to most of England, leading to lower overall demand for adult social care. The borough efficiently translates fewer requests into a number of long-term care plans that matches the national average, showing strong triage and good links with health services. Most service users and carers find information easy to access, and satisfaction rates are above average. Hospital discharges are well managed, with quick returns home and low numbers of delayed cases.However, there are areas where improvement is needed. Unpaid carers in Thurrock receive less direct financial support than elsewhere, and many report feeling socially isolated. The care provider market is small, which may make it hard for people to find the right service. Workforce recruitment and retention are becoming more difficult, risking service quality if not addressed.Budgets are notably tight, so maintaining good outcomes will require ongoing partnership with the NHS, more support for unpaid carers, efforts to attract and keep staff, and development of the local care market. Focusing on these areas will help ensure adult social care continues to meet local needs effectively.

Torbay

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Torbay Summary


**Summary for Social Care Portal – Torbay Adult Social Care**Torbay faces strong demand for adult social care, mainly due to its older, poorer population and higher rates of disability. Requests for help are well above the national average, especially for older people and those with complex needs. The council favours community-based, personalised care, but still relies more on residential placements than similar areas.Support for unpaid carers is strong, with more people getting help and information than in much of England. However, quality in the care provider market could be better; about one in six services need improvement. Workforce stability is a concern—vacancy rates are low, but many employers find recruitment and retention more difficult each year.Torbay excels at timely hospital discharges and benefits from high NHS funding, but this reliance could be risky if budgets change. Per-person spending is high but matches strong demand and positive user satisfaction.Recommendations: Torbay should continue shifting care away from care homes towards flexible community options and invest in workforce development. Quality assurance must improve, especially in residential care. Longer-term NHS funding agreements are also needed to keep delivering positive outcomes in a challenging context.

Tower Hamlets

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Tower Hamlets Summary


**Tower Hamlets Adult Social Care: 2024 Summary**Tower Hamlets has a young, fast-growing population and is the most crowded borough in England. High disability rates in working-age adults create extra demand for social care, putting pressure on services. Most residents get help at home, supported by strong community services and personal budgets. There are fewer older people, so demand for care homes is low, but this might also be due to limited places.The number of local unpaid carers is below average, yet they report high social contact. Care provider quality is better than average, and staffing is stable with low job vacancy. Hospital discharges run smoothly, showing good teamwork with health services.Service-user satisfaction and information access are close to national levels, but there are more complaints, possibly due to an engaged, vocal community rather than poor service. Funding is broadly in line with need, though less is raised from service users because incomes are low.**Areas to improve:** - Prepare for rising costs and needs linked to rapid population growth and ageing. - Protect and invest in community support and preventative services. - Ensure future plans address the limited income from clients and the shortage of care home places. Maintaining workforce stability and quality community care is vital for continued success.

Trafford

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Trafford Summary


**Adult Social Care in Trafford – Summary and Areas for Improvement**Trafford is mostly urban, with a growing older population and high demand for social care. Residents ask for support more often than the national average, especially older people. However, not everyone who asks receives long-term help, suggesting strict rules or good alternatives.Most care is organised by the council and given at home, but personal budgets and choice are less common than in other areas. Carers get lots of advice but little practical relief, leading to feelings of isolation.There are fewer care providers than elsewhere, but most are rated well. Still, satisfaction among people using services is low, and formal complaints are a bit higher than average. Delays in hospital discharge are frequent, possibly due to a shortage of care homes and community support.Staff turnover matches the region, but managers find it hard to recruit and keep staff, which could get worse.Money is tight, with spending below the national rate and little extra funding from the NHS. Trafford should aim to give carers more practical help, offer more flexible and personalised care, and secure extra funding by working closely with health partners. This can improve satisfaction without large extra costs.

Wakefield

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Wakefield Summary


**Wakefield Social Care: Key Findings and Suggestions**Wakefield is home to 362,000 people, spread over a large area with higher than average deprivation and an ageing population. More people have disabilities compared to the rest of England. This means there is strong demand for support, especially for older residents.The council meets many requests for help, but often uses residential care rather than home-based or personalised options. Fewer people receive direct payments, which may show a need for better information and advice about managing care themselves.There are enough care providers, but one in five do not meet quality standards. Hiring and keeping staff is a big problem, with pay and travel distances as key issues.Most users are happy with the care they get, and finding information is usually easy. Delays leaving hospital are a weak point, possibly due to not enough community-based support.Improvements should focus on helping more people use direct payments, supporting care providers to improve quality, and building stronger home-based care. This will give people in Wakefield more choice and better experiences in future.

Walsall

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Walsall Summary


**Summary: Adult Social Care in Walsall**Walsall has a young, urban population with higher than average disability and poverty levels. Although requests for adult social care from working-age people are lower than expected, older adults seek more help than the national average. This hints that some people may find it hard to access support or are relying on family.Long-term support relies heavily on council-managed budgets, with fewer residential care places available for adults under 65. Many unpaid carers provide essential help, but most say they lack enough social contact and easy access to information. Direct support for carers should be improved to avoid carer burnout.The local care provider market is small and quality is an issue, with twice as many services rated “requires improvement” as elsewhere. Workforce shortages and high vacancies make recruitment difficult, risking poorer care.Despite these challenges, hospital discharges are fast and information is more accessible than average. However, user and carer satisfaction are low.To improve, Walsall should invest in carer support, raise provider quality through better staff pay and training, and deepen health and social care partnerships. Extra funding may be needed to meet growing demand and ensure good, safe care for all.

Waltham Forest

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Waltham Forest Summary


**Summary: Adult Social Care in Waltham Forest**Waltham Forest is a young, urban borough with a high population but lower requests for adult social care than most places in England. Older people make fewer care requests, but when working-age adults ask for help, their needs tend to be complex, leading to more long-term support. Most care happens in the community, helped by good transport links and local networks.There are fewer care providers and unpaid carers than average, which limits choice. The quality of care is high, but finding information is harder for carers and service users than it should be. Workforce vacancies are a concern, driven by high living costs and pay competition.Spending on adult social care is lower than average and tightly controlled. So far, this has not harmed outcomes, but as the population ages, demand and costs may rise. Strong cooperation with the local NHS helps keep hospital discharges smooth.To improve, the borough should focus on making information clear and easy to find, support its staff with better pay and training, expand provider options, and prepare for growing future needs. Continued teamwork between council and health partners will be important.

Wandsworth

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Wandsworth Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Wandsworth**Wandsworth has a younger, healthier population than most areas, which means less demand for adult social care. Fewer people are disabled or act as unpaid carers, and requests for support are well below national averages. Most care is given in the community, with fewer people using care homes, reflecting local policy and high housing costs.Service quality is strong: very few care providers are rated poor, and users’ satisfaction and access to information match or beat national levels. Staff turnover and vacancies are steady, supporting high standards of care.One area needing attention is hospital discharge: 15% of discharges are delayed, a bit worse than the national figure. This may be due to lack of step-down or community care spaces. Increasing these could help.Spending is much lower than average, matching the lower needs of the population, but as Wandsworth’s population ages, demand and budget pressures will rise. To meet future needs, the council should keep building community-based care, support carers, and focus on staff retention. Monitoring hospital delays should stay a key priority.

Warrington

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Warrington Summary


Warrington has a growing and ageing population, with nearly one in five residents over 65. More people ask for help from adult social care than the national average, showing strong public awareness but also possible unmet needs. The council spends more on care than most areas, which helps support personalised budgets and higher levels of support for unpaid carers. Many carers say they get enough social contact and find it easy to get advice.Most older people needing long-term care are in nursing homes, double the national rate. This may mean there are not enough step-down or community options. High nursing use and delays in leaving hospital suggest a need for more community support and better housing with care. Service satisfaction is just below national levels, and some people struggle to find information.Strengths include good carer support, stable staffing, and good provider quality. However, there are fewer care providers than average. Action should focus on building more community services, improved advice and information for residents, and investing in housing with care. These changes could shorten hospital stays, raise satisfaction, and help control rising costs.

Warwickshire

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Warwickshire Summary


Warwickshire’s adult social care system serves a growing and older population, with many residents enjoying good health and high satisfaction with services. The county’s rural nature brings challenges, such as time-consuming visits and limited home-care capacity, particularly for older adults. There is heavy reliance on care homes, with fewer options for flexible home support and extra-care housing.Support for unpaid carers is a key weakness. Many carers struggle to find information and lack social contact, and few receive direct payments or advice. Improving carer services should be a priority, as early support can prevent more costly care needs later.Provider quality is slightly below average, despite a large and varied care market. Hospital discharges are mostly accepted but often delayed, pointing to gaps in community services and care home availability.Staff recruitment remains difficult, though vacancy rates are low. Competitive pay and travel support help but must continue.Warwickshire spends less per resident than the national average, with higher client charges. This may work in a wealthier area, but could be risky if local finances change.Key actions: expand flexible home-care and extra-care options, improve carer support and advice, keep a close watch on provider quality, and strengthen NHS partnerships.

West Berkshire

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West Berkshire Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in West Berkshire**West Berkshire is a mainly rural area with fewer residents than most English councils. People are generally healthier and wealthier, but the older population is growing, which increases the need for care services, especially for those over 65. Most older people needing support get care at home or in nursing homes. Use of personal budgets is strong, helping many people stay independent.The local care sector has high quality and low complaint rates. However, staff vacancies are high, making it hard to provide enough home care and adding to delays in hospital discharges. Travel between rural homes also makes staffing harder.Support for unpaid carers needs improvement, especially in giving more direct financial help and greater social contact. Joint funding with the NHS is low, meaning the council pays more than average.Satisfaction with care is high, but to keep this up, the council should focus on staff recruitment—such as offering travel help or housing—and work closer with local colleges. NHS partnerships should be strengthened to help support carers and grow direct payments. Continuing to invest in skilled staff and carer support will help meet local needs as the population ages.

West Northamptonshire

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West Northamptonshire Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in West Northamptonshire**West Northamptonshire is growing and covers a large rural area, which makes delivering care challenging. Fewer adults here report disabilities or need for social care than the England average, but actual demand could be hidden – especially in rural zones.Most people receiving care get support through community services, not care homes. This supports independence, but more options in care homes may be needed, as many providers are rated “requires improvement”. Funding for care is lower than the national average, so resources for carers, staff, and service quality are limited.Unpaid carers provide a lot of support, yet they get little direct help. Support services for carers should be expanded to reduce pressure on families. Staff shortages and high vacancies show that recruitment and pay are challenges, especially with competition from other employers.People are less satisfied with care services in the area than elsewhere, and it can be harder to find information. However, hospital discharge is better managed thanks to good teamwork.To improve, more investment in providers, staff, and carer support is needed. Better funding, workforce planning, and community service options would improve outcomes for both users and families.

West Sussex

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West Sussex Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in West Sussex**West Sussex has an older, growing population, with more people aged 65+ than the national average. Many residents ask for social care support—especially older adults—but fewer people receive long-term council-funded, community-based help than in other areas. Instead, West Sussex places more people in care homes or nursing homes, suggesting a need to improve community options and early support.Unpaid carers are important, but few receive direct payments or strong support. Most carers feel isolated and struggle to find information, which could affect their wellbeing and increase pressure on formal services in future.Service users report higher-than-average satisfaction, but there are also more complaints, showing space for faster, better resolution. The provider market is broad and generally high quality, but staff recruitment and retention remain concerns despite low reported vacancy rates.Spending on adult social care is below average, with more reliance on client payments and NHS funding. This approach may limit services if these extra sources fall.To improve, West Sussex should expand early, community-based support, offer more help to unpaid carers, and invest in staff. This can prevent costly residential care and ensure the system meets future needs as the population gets older.

Westminster

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Westminster Summary


Westminster faces unique challenges in adult social care, with a very dense and diverse population. Demand comes mainly from working-age adults rather than older people, which is unusual compared to other areas. Many people live alone and rent privately, leading to high requests for support among younger adults. The borough responds well by favouring community-based care over care homes, but there are few local providers, making the market tight.Quality of care is good, and most users are happy with services, although satisfaction is slightly below the national average. Carers receive more financial help here than elsewhere, but information and advice for carers could be improved, as not all carers feel well supported.Staff recruitment is generally steady, but retention remains a challenge, reflecting London’s competitive job market. Hospital discharges happen quickly for most, though a small group still experiences delays.While spending is in line with the national average, low client contributions mean Westminster carries a higher share of costs. The council should focus on expanding community services, improving support and advice for carers, and keeping strong partnerships with health services to maintain high standards and cope with future demand.

Westmorland and Furness

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Westmorland and Furness Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Westmorland and Furness**Westmorland and Furness has an older population, with over a quarter of residents aged sixty-five or above. This leads to many requests for support from older adults, which is higher than the national average. Fewer working-age adults need care, likely due to high employment or lower disability rates.Most people using long-term care are older adults, with a high number in nursing and residential homes. Use of care at home is less common, possibly because of rural distances or limited staff. The council helps people make their own care choices, but home-care supply is tight.Unpaid carers are common and better supported than in many areas, but many do not get direct help, and few receive respite care. This could lead to carer burnout in the future.Quality of care is good, and most people are satisfied. However, there are not enough providers and many staff vacancies. These gaps slow hospital discharge, stretching the system.To improve, the area should increase the care workforce, build more home-care options, and support unpaid carers directly. These steps can help more people stay at home and relieve pressure on care homes and hospitals.

Wigan

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Wigan Summary


Wigan’s adult social care supports a growing, older, and less healthy population. Fewer people request help than the national average, but a higher share of those who do need long-term care, especially among working-age adults with complex needs. Most people get care in their own homes, which matches current policy, but this demands strong services and skilled staff.The number of care providers is below average, which may limit choice if a service shuts, but quality is high, with few needing improvement. Staff turnover is typical for the region and vacancies are low, but most employers still find recruiting harder than before.Nearly one in ten adults is an unpaid carer, more than elsewhere. Yet, carers have less social contact and struggle to get information. This points to the need for better advice and social support.Spending is low compared to England, but user satisfaction is slightly above average, and delays from hospital are short. To keep improving, Wigan should focus on early help, extra support for carers, and keeping skilled staff. A wider provider market could strengthen local resilience as needs rise.

Wiltshire

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Wiltshire Summary


Adult social care in Wiltshire serves a growing and ageing population spread across mostly rural areas. Demand for formal care is lower than the national average, likely due to better health and wealth, but this may hide unaddressed needs in remote places. Wiltshire relies more on residential and nursing care than on home-based or community options, especially for working-age adults. This points to a need for more flexible homecare and improved outreach in rural areas.Support for unpaid carers is below average, and too few receive the social contact they want. Increasing support and respite opportunities for carers is important to prevent burnout. Workforce recruitment and retention is a challenge, especially due to long travel times and lower pay.Despite these issues, most users are happy with their care, and Wiltshire’s providers tend to be rated well. Finances are helped by strong NHS funding, but the county should prepare for potential changes to this support.Key improvements should focus on expanding community-based care, making direct payments more accessible, supporting carers, and addressing workforce barriers. These steps will help keep more people independent at home and maintain good satisfaction in the future.

Windsor and Maidenhead

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Windsor and Maidenhead Summary


Windsor and Maidenhead has a healthy, affluent population, which keeps demand for social care lower than many places. Fewer people report disabilities or need formal care, and many get support from their families or community. Satisfaction with services is close to the national average, and most users find it easy to get information. Community networks for carers seem strong, but finding information remains a challenge for many.The care provider market is small but stable and offers good quality, yet it limits people’s choice. Most care is arranged directly by the council, rather than letting users control their personal budgets. Workforce shortages are a risk: while vacancies are low, it is getting harder to keep and find staff. Pay, support, and career development might help attract more care workers.Spending stays within budget, but less NHS funding and rising staff costs could cause difficulty later. Better signposting for carers, more provider options, and workforce support are needed. Making these changes will improve choice and ensure that people and their carers can access the right support as the population grows older.

Wirral

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Wirral Summary


**Summary of Adult Social Care in Wirral**Wirral has higher demand for adult social care than most places in England, due to its older and more disabled population. Many more people ask for and receive help, especially older adults, compared to the national average. The council mainly gives support through organised services, and uses direct payments far less than elsewhere. This means people have less choice over their care. More unpaid carers live in Wirral, but many do not receive enough support or information. This could create more pressure on formal services in the future.Most service users are happy with their care, and hospital discharge works well. However, nearly 29% of care providers need to improve, much higher than the England average. Quality of care and choice could be improved by supporting community providers and promoting direct payments. Recruitment and retention of care staff remain difficult, even though vacancy rates are low. Local spending on care is higher because NHS support is lower, which may not be sustainable long-term.To improve, Wirral should invest in community services, give carers better support, encourage personal budgets, and work to get a fairer NHS funding share. Efforts should focus on the most deprived areas to help reduce future need.

Wokingham

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Wokingham Summary


Adult social care in Wokingham is working well, with most residents healthy, living longer, and needing less formal support than in many other areas. Services focus on helping people stay in their own homes and make their own care choices, especially for adults under 65. Care quality is high, and most people find it easy to get information. Unpaid carers also feel well supported.There are some areas to improve. Workforce shortages and a small care market mean it is hard to recruit enough staff, which sometimes causes delays when people leave hospital. Although most problems are fixed quickly, the number of delayed hospital discharges is higher than average. Demand and spending are low, but as the older population grows, the council will need to plan for greater need, invest in nursing care, and support their care staff better.To keep up good results, Wokingham should focus on recruiting and keeping care workers, working closely with the NHS, and making sure enough community and nursing services are available as the population changes. Clearer information for residents and continued support for unpaid carers will also help maintain high satisfaction.

Wolverhampton

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Wolverhampton Summary


**Wolverhampton Adult Social Care – Key Summary and Recommendations (2024)**Wolverhampton is a young and busy city, with more health and care needs than average. Many residents face high deprivation and more disability. Fewer people ask for formal care than elsewhere, but those who do are likely to get long-term help. Spending per person is higher than the national average.Services focus on care in the community, helped by many unpaid carers. This supports hospital discharges, which the city handles well. However, satisfaction with care is low, and finding information can be hard.There are not enough good-quality care providers, and staff shortages are common. Too few residential homes and less NHS funding also add pressure. These factors may lead to missed needs and lower user satisfaction.**Areas to improve:**- Raise the quality and number of care providers.- Attract and keep more staff in care roles.- Make information and advice easier to find.- Work closer with the NHS for fairer funding.- Offer fuller support to unpaid carers.Wolverhampton’s strong teamwork and high spending are positives. Focusing on these changes will help meet future needs and raise satisfaction.

Worcestershire

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Worcestershire Summary


Worcestershire’s adult social care serves a large and mostly rural, older population. Demand comes mainly from older residents, with requests for support much higher in this group than nationally. The council funds fewer care packages than average, likely through strong advice, strict eligibility, and a good community network.Most users are happy with their care and find it easy to get information, but carers need clearer guidance and signposting. There are plenty of care providers, and service quality is slightly better than the England average. However, recruiting and keeping staff is an increasing problem, especially in rural areas.Hospital discharges work smoothly, but slight delays hint at limited home-care capacity. Worcestershire spends less than other areas on social care, partly due to low deprivation and unpaid carers, but this may be hard to maintain as the population ages.Key improvements would include better support and information for carers, creative solutions for workforce shortages, and planning for future funding. Protecting current satisfaction levels will depend on keeping up community support, workforce, and access to information as demand grows.

York

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York Summary


York has around 207,000 people, with most living in urban areas and enjoying better health and wealth than many other English cities. Demand for adult social care is lower here—fewer people ask for or receive council support, even though York has more older adults than the national average. The council encourages personal choice by offering more direct payments than most areas, letting people manage their own care.Quality of care, however, needs attention. Almost one in five care providers are rated “requires improvement” or worse, higher than the national rate. There are also ongoing problems with finding and keeping care workers, even though current vacancy rates are low. Support for unpaid carers is mostly through direct payments, but many carers still feel socially isolated. More community support events could help. Most residents are happy with services, and hospital discharges are timely, though some patients still face delays.York’s careful spending and innovative practices show that good results are possible even with less money. To improve further, efforts should focus on provider quality, workforce support, and better social connections for carers.