London Council Urged to Enhance Support for ‘Isolated’ Unpaid Carers Following Positive Inspection Report

The adult social care services provided by the City of London Corporation have received a commendable ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Achieving a score of 64 out of 100, the Corporation narrowly surpassed the minimum threshold of 62 required for this classification. The report, released on Wednesday, July 15, highlighted the organisation’s strong performance in assessments and its collaborative efforts with sector partners. However, it also noted a “mixed” experience for unpaid carers, with some expressing feelings of being “unsupported” and “isolated.”

Recognition of Dedication and Collaboration

Deputy Helen Fentimen, who chairs the Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, remarked that the report serves as a “tribute to the dedication of our staff, providers, and partners.” The City of London Corporation, which governs the Square Mile, stands out due to its unique responsibilities, franchise, and relatively small size. This is reflected in its residential base, which is particularly limited; approximately 135 individuals were reported to be receiving long-term adult social care support in the financial year 2023/24.

Notably, the CQC acknowledges that the Corporation is exempt from the Adult Social Care Survey and the Survey of Adult Carers in England, given the small number of eligible individuals. During their assessment, CQC inspectors rated five areas as three out of four, while the remaining four categories received a score of two. The lower ratings were given to ‘safeguarding’ and ‘governance, management and sustainability.’

Positive Experiences Amidst Areas for Improvement

The inspectors found that many people interviewed during the review reported positive experiences, particularly in being listened to and involved in their care decisions. The report highlighted progress in enhancing care and support services, praising the quality of assessments conducted. “People and carers described services as responsive and committed to person-centred care,” it stated. They appreciated timely support and effective communication from staff, yet acknowledged the need for improvements, particularly in ensuring equitable access to local services, embedding the voices of individuals through co-production, and providing additional support for unpaid carers.

The experiences of unpaid carers emerged as an area of concern. The CQC noted, “Some spoke positively about grants and wellbeing activities that helped them maintain their health and independence. They valued opportunities to attend community events and carers’ groups.” Conversely, others expressed dissatisfaction regarding follow-up support from the local authority post-assessment, requesting clearer information about their rights and more practical assistance, such as respite and sitting services. Some unpaid carers conveyed feelings of isolation and difficulty in managing their caregiving responsibilities.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The Corporation is recognised for fostering “a reflective learning culture,” demonstrating a willingness to integrate feedback into service improvements. One ongoing focus is strengthening connections and enhancing engagement within the community, particularly with “seldom-heard groups.”

In her comments on the report, Deputy Fentimen stated, “Everyone should be able to live an independent, healthy and fulfilling life for as long as possible, and this report acknowledges the work we’re doing to enable City residents to achieve just that. It is also a tribute to the dedication of our staff, providers, and partners, who tirelessly deliver high-quality care and support throughout the Square Mile.”

She added, “While the report identifies areas for us to build upon and enhance our services further, what is most evident is the positive impact our support has on people’s daily lives. This is something we take immense pride in, and we remain committed to leveraging these strengths to deliver even better outcomes for our residents in the future.”