Why was Blackpool Council's adult social care rated inadequate?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Blackpool's adult social care "inadequate" due to identified weaknesses in mental health and substance abuse services.

What improvements has Blackpool Council made to its adult care?

Blackpool Council formed an improvement board in October, which has successfully reduced waiting times for services.

What are the CQC's main concerns about Blackpool's adult care?

The CQC's primary concerns involve the handling of mental health and substance abuse issues and the need for a more integrated strategy.

Home / Health / Blackpool Adult Care Rated "Inadequate"

Blackpool Adult Care Rated "Inadequate"

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Watchdog CQC rated adult social care inadequate after March inspection.
Weaknesses identified in mental health and substance abuse handling.
Improvement board established in October has reduced waiting times.

Blackpool Council's adult social care services have undergone significant scrutiny after being rated "inadequate" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). An inspection conducted in March revealed critical issues, particularly concerning the handling of mental health and substance abuse cases. The CQC report emphasized the need for a more cohesive strategy to address these challenges.

In response to the CQC's findings, the council established an improvement board in October. This board has been tasked with implementing necessary changes to elevate the service's standard. Early results from this initiative indicate a positive impact, with reductions observed in the waiting times for essential services.