In February, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessed our Adult Services under the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act.
This inspection, called our Local Authority Assessment, rated us as ‘Requires Improvement’ in the report that was published today, Friday 15 August.
Lancashire residents deserve the very best, so this result is disappointing - but there are positives in the report and since the assessment we’ve made significant progress:
Faster access to care: Older people waiting for assessments fell from 1,850 in April to 1,075 in July – a 48% drop in those waiting over 28 days.
More care reviews: An 8% increase compared to last year, helping keep care plans current and responsive.
Improved OT access: A 50% reduction in people waiting over 28 days for Occupational Therapy assessments.
These improvements build on the many positives noted by assessors, including strong safeguarding, good support for carers, and how we empower people to live independently.
Our workforce was praised as ‘committed, compassionate and competent’ – which speaks volumes about your professionalism and dedication.
Key areas for improvement include:
Reducing service variation across the county
Strengthening recruitment to reduce reliance on agency staff
Cutting assessment waiting times
Real change is underway. With strong leadership and collaboration, we’re addressing these areas, and committed to delivering consistently excellent services as we move forward.
You can read the full report on the staff CQC intranet page and more about our response to the report in this article 'Improvements being driven forward following CQC inspection' on our digital newsroom.
Reviewing our finances – improving efficiency
We’re building on the trusted relationships we have across teams and with councillors to ensure our priorities for Lancashire’s communities remain front and centre.
As you may know, Cabinet approved a financial review in June to help us navigate the significant challenges ahead.
Work is well underway with services across the organisation actively contributing data and insights to build a full and accurate financial picture.
Please be reassured that this is about working together to validate existing savings, uncover new opportunities, and strengthen our financial resilience.
Directors will take part in two strategic sessions to explore savings opportunities, supported by senior leadership and informed by robust data. Keep an eye out for further updates.
Shortlisted in this year's UK Fleet Champions Awards
Our Road Safety, Fleet and Public Integrated Transport teams have been shortlisted in three categories at this year’s UK Fleet Champions Awards.
These prestigious awards recognise the commitment of organisations working to prevent road deaths and injuries and reduce vehicle-related pollution.
We’re proud to be finalists in the following categories:
Public Sector Driver Safety Award – Celebrating public sector organisations that have successfully implemented initiatives to keep drivers safe.
Fleet Safety Partnership Award – Honouring partnerships between fleet operators and other organisations that have achieved outstanding results in improving fleet safety.
Kevin Storey Award for Outstanding Commitment to Road Safety – Recognising individuals or organisations that have gone above and beyond in their dedication to road safety, both within their organisation and in the wider community.
The awards ceremony will take place on 25 September 2025 in Leeds. Being recognised in three categories at a national level is a proud achievement for the county council and a testament to the positive impact our team is making every day.
Congratulations to everyone involved — and best of luck at the awards!
Virtual School’s Employment Support Team named National Award Finalists
We’re proud to announce that our Virtual School’s Employment Support Team has been named a national finalist in the Children & Young People Now Awards 2025 — a prestigious event that celebrates innovation and excellence across the children’s services sector.
The team has been shortlisted in three categories:
The Children in Care Award
The Advice and Guidance Award
The Public Sector Children's Team of the Year Award
Being recognised in all three categories is an exceptional achievement and a true testament to the team’s dedication, impact and outstanding practice.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in November.
Good luck to the team and thank you for your incredible work!