adult social care services
Councils are currently addressing rising complaints, workforce shortages, and service delivery challenges in adult social care.
In November 2026, Kensington and Chelsea's Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee heard that complaints about adult social care rose by 51% in 2025/26, citing issues such as late carer arrivals and poor communication. A performance report to Barnet's Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee in November 2026 also highlighted risks from workforce shortages and lengthy waiting lists.
Councils are also reviewing performance and improvement plans for adult social care services, which provide support to adults needing help with daily living due to age, illness, or disability. Haringey's Adults & Health Scrutiny Panel discussed an Adult Social Care Improvement Plan in October 2026. Islington's Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee reviewed performance in September 2026.
Key facts
- Complaints about adult social care in Kensington and Chelsea rose by 51% in 2025/26, from 67 to 103. Source
- 92% of adult social care complaints in Kensington and Chelsea were responded to within the council’s 10-working-day target. Source
- Barnet council is actively recruiting to essential vacant adult social care posts and using agency staff where necessary. Source
- The Adult Social Care Annual Complaints Report for 2025/26 was presented to Kensington and Chelsea's Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee. Source
- A performance report on adult social care in Barnet was reviewed by the Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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 11 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.