Update on our local authority assurance check programme for 2020-21
We are continuing our assurance checks and are engaging fully with each local authority.
We recognise the significant pressure local authority services are experiencing and it is essential we continue to work with them during this difficult time. Due to the continued pressures that the pandemic is causing, we are ending our national review of disabled children and will publish our national overview report later this year.
The purpose of the assurance check will review how well local authority social services continue to help adults, children and carers at this difficult time and your plans for sustainability of services into the future.
Our focus is on:
- How well are local authorities discharging their statutory functions to keep people who need care and support and carers who need support, safe and promote their well-being during the pandemic.
- How well local authorities prevent the need for children to come in to care; and are children returning home to their families quickly enough, where safe to do so.
During our Assurance Check the activity undertaken will be what is necessary, essential and proportionate to answer the overarching questions. We will work with local authorities to adjust our approach where necessary to meet exceptional circumstances; this will be discussed with each local authority.
How you can get involved
You can provide your feedback on local authority social services at any time. Visit our inspection page and click on ‘how you can get involved’, to find links to our surveys.