Lambeth care users see services rated good
Adults receiving social care in Lambeth, along with families and unpaid carers, have been told the borough’s services are performing well after the Care Quality Commission rated Lambeth Council’s adult social care provision as good.
The independent inspection found that people using services generally had positive experiences, with residents telling inspectors they felt listened to, assessments were arranged quickly, and staff understood what mattered most in their lives.
The good rating is the second-highest overall grade available under the CQC’s assessment system for local authority adult social care. Lambeth was also rated outstanding for Equity in Experience and Outcomes, a section focused on whether people from different communities receive fair access, treatment and results.
Care support for nearly 5,000 residents
Almost 5,000 people in Lambeth receive long-term adult social care support. These services can include help for older residents, working-age disabled adults, people recovering after illness or injury, and unpaid carers supporting family members or friends.
Care packages vary widely. Some residents may need short-term equipment, rehabilitation or home support to regain independence. Others may need longer-term care with daily living, housing, personal support or specialist provision.
Lambeth Council says it invests close to £150 million a year in adult social care services. The inspection outcome therefore matters beyond a council performance rating: it affects services used by some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents and the families who depend on timely decisions.
Inspectors highlight fairness in diverse communities
Chris Badger, the CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said fairness was a clear strength in Lambeth, particularly because the borough is one of London’s most ethnically diverse areas.
Inspectors pointed to services developed for communities whose needs can be overlooked. These included specialist residential care for Asian and Jewish communities, accommodation for LGBTQ+ residents, and culturally specific peer support for people from African and Caribbean backgrounds.
The CQC also found strong evidence that Lambeth was helping people stay independent and avoid unnecessary long-term care. Inspectors said staff worked with health partners to provide joined-up short-term support, equipment and rehabilitation after illness or injury.
According to the regulator, this helped many people recover without needing ongoing care. That finding is significant for residents because early support can affect whether someone returns home safely, avoids a longer hospital stay, or needs more intensive services later.
The CQC rating and what it measures
The Care Quality Commission regulates health and social care in England. It now has a legal duty to inspect local authority adult social care services and assess how well councils support wellbeing and independence.
The inspection framework looks at nine areas across four broad themes. Each area is rated from one to four, with one indicating significant shortfalls and four showing an exceptional standard.
Lambeth scored threes and fours across the board. Based on overall scores published so far, the council said the result places Lambeth in the top 10 per cent of councils nationally for adult social care.
The CQC’s report focused not only on whether care is available, but on whether it is responsive, fair, joined up with partners, and shaped around people’s own lives. Residents told inspectors they were able to arrange assessments at times and places that suited them.
Stronger hospital discharge and early help
Partnership working was another area praised by inspectors. The CQC said Lambeth Council worked with NHS and voluntary sector partners to support faster hospital discharge and more joined-up care.
Early help and advice services were also found to be reducing demand for longer-term support. That can free staff to focus on people with more complex needs, while giving others the right help before problems escalate.
Ian Davis, Lambeth Council’s chief executive, said the result showed that the borough’s adult social care services were among the best in the country. He said inspectors had recognised the council’s focus on front-line support and thanked staff and partner organisations involved in delivering care.
The council said it remains committed to maintaining standards and making further improvements. The full inspection report is available through the Care Quality Commission.
Source: London Borough of Lambeth
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This report is based on the published Lambeth Council notice and the Care Quality Commission inspection findings it cites.
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- 2026-05-27 18:17
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