Issue

safeguarding

25 stories · discussed at 30 council meetings · 21 councils

Local councils are addressing adult social care quality, tackling violence and exploitation, and enhancing internal safeguarding practices.

Councils are currently addressing the quality of adult social care and strategies to protect vulnerable individuals. Lambeth Adult Social Care received a 'Good' CQC rating in May 2026, with 'Outstanding' for equity. Islington's adult social care services exceeded their care home admission target in September 2026, prompting an investigation into earlier intervention options. Barnet reported a 24% increase in domestic abuse referrals by September 2026, while Enfield Council adopted a 10-year Serious Violence Strategy in September 2026.

Other councils are focusing on internal practices and broader safeguarding issues, which are measures to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. Bromley Council's Executive agreed in June 2026 to extend its mental health services partnership to allow more time for improvements in safeguarding arrangements. Newham Council's Standards Committee outlined a Councillor Development Programme in March 2026, which includes safeguarding training for 2026/27. Harrow's waste plan is facing scrutiny over safeguarding concerns related to protected waste sites, as reported in July 2026.

Key facts

  1. Lambeth Adult Social Care was rated 'Good' overall by the CQC in May 2026, achieving 'Outstanding' for equity. Source
  2. Islington's adult social care services recorded 197 admissions to residential and nursing care homes in 2025/26, exceeding the target of 190. Source
  3. Referrals to Barnet's Domestic Abuse Support Hub increased by 24% over the past year, as noted in September 2026. Source
  4. Enfield Council's Cabinet adopted a 10-year Serious Violence Strategy in September 2026. Source
  5. Bromley Council's Executive agreed in June 2026 to extend its mental health services partnership until November 2028. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 7 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 4

  1. Bexley Schools Increase Training to Address Rise in Emotional-Based School Avoidance and Anxiety-Related Elective Home Education Bexley schools are increasing training to address the growing need for support for pupils experiencing emotional-based school avoidance and anxiety-related elective home... Bexley 9 July 2025