Joint statement on Blackpool Adult Social Care Services CQC report – by Chris Webb MP and Lorraine Beavers MP

The CQC has today rated Blackpool Adult Social Care Services as Inadequate. This is not a reflection on our frontline staff who are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances. They should feel nothing but pride for the hard work they put in and we hope senior officers at Blackpool Council make that clear to staff on the ground.

Blackpool is the most deprived area in the country, with lower life and healthy-life expectancies than most of England. Our services therefore face huge challenges and that is before we consider the impact of 14 years of austerity on both the people of Blackpool and the council. But none of this is an excuse. Our people deserve better care, improved support and maximised independence.

Key to the rating of Inadequate are concerns around risks to human rights, inequity of care for the LGBTQIA+ community, poor internal and external communication, failure to meet accessibility requirements, and the risks caused by long waits for support. While we recognise the difficult circumstances that have contributed to this rating, it is simply not good enough.

People accessing adult social care services are vulnerable and in need of support. Their human rights should never be put at risk by the very services that are meant to care for them. It is clear from the report that many of these issues stem from poor communication and leadership.

To all carers, paid and unpaid, in Blackpool – we know you are doing your best. We know how hard you work and how much you care. We will work with you, alongside Blackpool Council, the government, and the CQC, to improve Blackpool’s adult social care services.

We are encouraged to see that the political leadership at Blackpool Council has now set out a plan to improve the situation. This includes strengthening leadership within the Council, appointing a dedicated Principal Social Worker, increasing senior management oversight and convening an Improvement Board, which is already meeting.

In the meantime, if you are struggling and in need of support, or are a carer for someone who is, please reach out to us at:

lorraine.beavers.mp@parliament.uk (for Blackpool North and Fleetwood)

chris.webb.mp@parliament.uk (for Blackpool South)