Newsroom

22 September 2026

Leaders share progress update on adult social care improvement journey

Overdue reviews are reduced and workforce stability is improved as a result of Blackpool Council’s improvement journey for adult social services.

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Adult social care in Blackpool is becoming stronger, more responsive, and more focussed on residents and communities, senior leaders have said.

Blackpool Council has shared an update on its progress in improving adult social care (ASC) services.

A report due to go before Full Council on 30 September outlines how the council has invested £1.6m in ASC, including workforce development and governance redesign, and brought in new expertise in senior leadership.

The work is already making a difference, as recognised by external assessments. Overdue reviews have reduced significantly, workforce stability has increased, and safeguarding arrangements have been strengthened.

The council had been inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2025.

Cllr Neal Brookes, deputy leader (people) of the council and cabinet member for adult social care, said:

“Twelve months ago, adult social care (ASC) in Blackpool found itself at a defining moment. The CQC assurance outcome was challenging but gave us a clear understanding of what immediate actions were required to address areas of weakness. We have since developed a plan to transform ASC in the longer term and improve outcomes for our residents. We’ve been creating the right conditions for success, and I’m pleased to share the progress made on our improvement journey.”

The report outlines how the council has:

  • Invested £1.6m into resourcing ASC – to increase capacity, knowledge and skills, strengthen leadership and support workforce development, and improve practice and quality assurance.
  • Strengthened the Adult Social Care Improvement Board – combining independent and external expertise and political oversight to focus on improvement and outcomes.
  • Increased senior expertise – bringing in new senior leaders with additional expertise and new perspectives.
  • Improved connection and culture in the team – using tools like staff engagement events and workforce forums to create a stronger connection between leaders and frontline services.
  • Redesigned governance arrangements – to ensure accountability, oversight and integration.

The council’s new ASC leadership team includes a new director of adult social services (DASS). Martin Lawton joined Blackpool Council this summer from Rochdale Borough Council, where he was Deputy DASS, working across mental health, neighbourhood and operational services.

Earlier progress updates shared by Blackpool Council include how:

  • More people are being supported in the community
  • The percentage of people who received short-term support and didn’t require additional support has increased
  • The percentage of people who report their preferred safeguarding outcome had been met has increased
  • The maximum referral waiting time has fallen across three main areas: community and hospital, learning disability and mental health

Cllr Brookes added:

“Adult social care is a priority owned by the whole council, not just one department. There continues to be a shared determination among elected members, officers, partners and frontline staff to put things right. I’m pleased to share that our work has been recognized in external reviews since the CQC assessment. That does not mean every challenge has been overcome. And demand remains high. But our ambition is to create an Adult Social Care service that is recognised for excellence, innovation and consistently positive outcomes for residents and council.”

The report also shares how a significant area of focus continues to be on assessment performance and safeguarding timeliness. The council’s next phase of its improvement journey will focus on transforming how people access care and support, including strengthening prevention and early intervention, and building the right services that residents need in the future. The council has said it will work with residents, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) and wider partners to co-produce and co-design future changes.

The report also recognizes the contribution of the department’s outgoing DASS, Nick Henson.

Cllr Brookes said:

“On behalf of the council, I thank Nick for his leadership, commitment and determination during a challenging but ultimately productive period in the service's development. The work completed over the last twelve months has left the service in a significantly stronger position and created the platform for further improvements that are needed. Progress made so far reflects the dedication of hundreds of colleagues across ASC and the wider council. We are committed to making adult social care in Blackpool stronger, more responsive and more focused on what matters to our people and our communities.”

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