Council sets out next steps to co-produce Lancashire’s future adult social care

This is part of our overall plan to improve adult social care in Lancashire in response to the findings of the Care Quality Commission.

A report to be considered at Cabinet next week recommends a strengthened, co‑produced approach that puts people, carers and communities at the heart of designing future services, while meeting statutory duties and supporting long‑term sustainability.

Cabinet is being asked to:

• Acknowledge the findings of the public consultation
• Endorse the strategic direction for developing the new Adult Social Care Model of Care, including co-production with people who draw on care and support, carers, providers and other stakeholders
• Note the timeline for the co-produced Model of Care to return to Cabinet in September 2026

People who use services, carers, families, staff, community groups, residents and providers were invited to share their views through a public consultation held between October and December last year. It received 1,622 questionnaire responses, alongside letters, emails and feedback from stakeholder organisations.

Responses highlighted these services as essential lifelines — especially trusted staff relationships, familiar routines and being close to home.

Around 76% of respondents disagreed with the reprovision proposals, with concerns often focused on how change was presented rather than improvement itself.

People were clear that any future changes must meet individual needs, maintain or improve standards of care and keep support close to home. Many also said they needed to see what a better local alternative would look like before any decisions are taken.

Any future proposals will be developed with people and communities, and guided by Equality Impact Assessments and other checks, to make sure improvements are safe, fair and focused on what matters most.

Importantly, there will be no change at this stage to the care and support people currently receive. In February, it was also announced that there was no intention to close any of the five care homes featured in the consultation.

Helen Coombes, Executive Director Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our priority is that people in Lancashire can live well and independently for as long as possible, with the right care and support around them when it’s needed.

“This report sets out what we heard during the consultation and the strategic direction for developing our new Adult Social Care Model of Care, shaped with people who draw on care and support, carers, our workforce, providers and communities.

“Every decision will start with people’s experience, protecting relationships, continuity and support close to home, and focusing on key areas like dementia care, reablement, respite, supported living for younger adults and community-based day opportunities.

“We’ll work openly with people to develop options, and we won’t bring proposals forward without understanding local impact and completing the necessary assessments."

Subject to Cabinet approval, co-production will take place in the coming months with an update to Cabinet in the Autumn.

Ends