The Care Quality Commission gave Haringey Council a ‘requires improvement’ verdict following an inspection, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Alexandra House, headquarters for Haringey Council

Haringey Council’s adult social care provision has been rated as “requires improvement” by a national watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said carers’ support was a key area for development with data showing a “significantly worse performance” than compared to national averages.

Feedback from unpaid carers was mostly negative with some carers stating support was “not easily accessible or suitable”.

Timeliness of assessments and reviews were a “barrier” for people, as well as contacting the local authority.

Out of the 100 points available the council scored 56, which put it in the 38-62 range, meaning the service overall was judged as ‘requires improvement’. However, of the nine criteria, which made up the total score, seven were rated as ‘requires improvement’ and two as ‘good’.

Liberal Democrat councillor Pippa Connor said the report was “really disappointing” and described the experiences of unpaid carers as a “source of alarm”.

Cllr Connor said: “Liberal Democrats nationally have shone a spotlight on how unfairly carers are treated, and to find that Haringey is ‘significantly worse’ than even the terrible national baseline is very disheartening, and requires swift and meaningful action.”

In response, although the council leader Peray Ahmet and chief executive Andy Donald said they were “naturally disappointed” with the overall outcome of the inspection, they were pleased with the “areas of good practice” highlighted.

The report stated most people who used services felt safe, contributing to the ‘good’ rating the council’s safeguarding services received.

Partnerships and pathways were also rated as ‘good’ with “staff and partners” reporting to the CQC of a “positive change” around the council’s work to better support communities.

The report noted that senior leadership was “visible”, “supportive of staff” and “worked together to support a positive culture”.

Cllr Connor said she was “pleased” to see a “robust performance” in some areas, such as safeguarding, but said overall the result showed the council was “letting down thousands of the most vulnerable people”.

The council leader acknowledged the “committed staff” working “tirelessly” in “often challenging circumstances” to support adult social care in Haringey.

The leader and the chief executive added: “The report highlights where more improvement is needed. In response to this we are putting in place a new cross-party improvement board which will be chaired by the chief executive of the council.

“The challenges we face are not easy. We are tackling a budget shortfall, an ageing population and ever-growing demand for our key services.

“Despite all the pressures we are determined to learn from the findings in the report and take the action needed to provide the best possible care for our residents.”

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