Sutton's adult social care services have been rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a significant achievement for the borough's services which are facing rising demand and increasing complexity of needs.
The CQC inspection in 2025 awarded Sutton's adult social care services a score of 70%, placing it in the top quartile of published inspections nationally. The report particularly praised the council's innovative use of Technology Enabled Care (TEC), which supports residents to remain independent at home, reduces the need for formal care services, and facilitates timely hospital discharges. Sutton has also been recognised nationally for its innovation in the introduction and use of TEC.
Sandra Howard, Director for Adults at Sutton Council, expressed pride in the services' performance. We are immensely honoured and proud that the 2025 CQC inspection of adult social care resulted in a good rating,
she stated. Beyond TEC, the report mentions significant achievements including an 81% increase in the proportion of carers' assessments completed in the last two years, improvements in resident reviews, and a joint carers strategy setting out a new offer for unpaid carers.
Despite the positive rating, adult social care services in Sutton, like many across the country, are navigating significant challenges. These include rising demand for services, increasing complexity of needs, and significant financial pressures.
Specifically, an increase in care home admissions is attributed to individuals remaining at home for a lot longer and presenting with more complex needs upon hospital admission.
Additionally, there has been a growth in mental health needs and more complexity in that area for younger age groups as well as an older age group.
The council's adult social care budget stands at £83 million, representing 37.5% of the overall council budget. Nick Ireland, Strategic Director for People Services, acknowledged these pressures, stating, Adult social care in Sutton alongside most local authorities facing a number of challenges such as rising demand for services, increasing complexity of needs and of course significant financial pressures.
However, the report also detailed significant achievements, including improvements in resident reviews, with 82.7% receiving an annual review in 2025-26. The introduction of an AI tool, Magic Notes, has also shown promise, reducing writing time for assessments and reviews by 58% and allowing staff more time to engage with residents.
Looking ahead, the People directorate continues to report significant financial pressures in 2026/27 due to ongoing high demand and complexity of need from care and SEND services. This is likely to persist across the medium-term planning period, posing a significant risk to the Council's Medium Term Financial Plan. Strategies to address these pressures include delivering on the priorities and objectives set out in the adult social care plan, the transformation plan, and the improvement plan. These aim to support residents and carers to live their best lives and be as independent as possible, while also meeting savings and cost avoidance targets. Specific initiatives include expanding technology-enabled care at home and exploring the development of additional extra care housing.
For more details on the council's plans and performance, refer to the Public reports pack for the People Committee meeting on 24th September 2026. Public reports pack
