Key Points
- The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated London Borough of Hackney’s adult social care services as “Requires Improvement” with a score of 62, the highest possible within that rating band (39-62).
- The assessment evaluates how the council meets responsibilities under the Care Act 2014, focusing on collaboration with communities and partners to promote independence and wellbeing for working-age disabled adults, older people, and unpaid carers.
- Strengths include person-centred care, commitment to equity and anti-racism, robust triage for urgent needs, strong partnerships with providers and health organisations, and transparency in learning from challenges.
- CQC praised positive resident experiences, where individuals felt listened to, respected, and valued for their identities and communities during assessments.
- Areas for improvement identified by the council itself include commissioning arrangements for supported living, residential care, and Direct Payments; the council has launched a new Preparing for Adulthood service.
- Hackney Council reports a 40% increase in demand since 2020, yet recent Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) scores show positive impact, with resident satisfaction at 61.4% (above London average of 60.7%) and ranking 5th in London for quality of life.
- Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, stated: “We achieved the highest score within our current rating, I am really pleased that our most recent ASCOF scores give further evidence of the positive impact that our work delivers for vulnerable adults in Hackney and shows we are on the right track, especially given the 40% increase in demand we’ve seen for our support since 2020. However, we aren’t complacent. We are working tirelessly to fix what we need. Our latest data already shows us ranking 5th in London for quality of life, and we will keep pushing until that excellence is felt by every resident and carer in Hackney.”
- Future plans involve improving website information, piloting joint initiatives with health partners to manage demand and reduce waiting times, and easing carer support access.
- The full CQC report will be discussed at the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission for integration into long-term care strategy.
- This assessment is under the CQC’s new regulatory framework for local authorities introduced by the Care Act 2014.
Hackney, London (East London Times) February 11, 2026 – The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated the London Borough of Hackney’s adult social care services as “Requires Improvement” following a comprehensive assessment of its duties under the Care Act 2014. This evaluation, which scored the council 62 out of 100—the maximum within the “Requires Improvement” band—highlights strengths in person-centred care and equity while pinpointing areas needing enhancement amid rising demand. The findings emphasise the council’s collaboration with communities to support working-age disabled adults, older people, and unpaid carers, marking part of the CQC’s expanded oversight role.
- Key Points
- What Did the CQC Assess in Hackney’s Services?
- What Strengths Were Highlighted by Inspectors?
- What Areas Require Improvement According to the CQC?
- How Has Hackney Council Responded to the Rating?
- What Is the CQC’s New Role Under the Care Act?
- How Does Hackney Compare to Other Councils?
- What Challenges Face Hackney’s Adult Social Care?
- What Happens Next for Hackney’s Services?
What Did the CQC Assess in Hackney’s Services?
The CQC’s assessment examined how Hackney Council fulfils its Care Act 2014 responsibilities, focusing on four key themes across nine areas. As detailed in the council’s response on its official news site, inspectors evaluated person-centred practices, equity embedding, triage systems, partnerships, and learning transparency. The report notes a “mixed picture” of experiences in accessing care, per CQC’s press summary, but commends residents’ positive feedback on feeling respected and heard.
Cllr Chris Kennedy highlighted in the council’s statement:
“We achieved the highest score within our current rating.”
This 62 score places Hackney at the top of the “Requires Improvement” category, spanning 39 to 62 points, as confirmed in notes to editors from Hackney Council’s release.
What Strengths Were Highlighted by Inspectors?
Inspectors praised Hackney for embedding equity and anti-racism across all service levels, according to the council’s summary of the CQC report. Residents reported positive experiences, feeling their individual identities and communities were respected during assessments. The report also commended robust triage and duty arrangements for urgent needs, strong partnerships with local providers and health organisations, and the council’s openness in learning from challenges.
As reported by Hackney Council news team, these elements reflect a commitment to person-centred care despite pressures. Recent ASCOF scores further evidence positive outcomes, with Hackney outperforming London’s average in resident satisfaction at 61.4% versus 60.7%.
What Areas Require Improvement According to the CQC?
The CQC identified gaps that the council itself had already flagged, including commissioning for supported living, residential care, and Direct Payments. In response, Hackney has launched a new Preparing for Adulthood service and is reforming these arrangements. Additional plans target website information improvements, joint health pilots to cut waiting times, and better carer support access.
Cllr Chris Kennedy acknowledged:
“However, we aren’t complacent. We are working tirelessly to fix what we need.”
The council attributes some pressures to a 40% demand surge since 2020.
How Has Hackney Council Responded to the Rating?
Hackney Council welcomed the assessment, emphasising its top score in the band and proactive steps. The full report heads to the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission for public discussion and strategy integration. Latest data shows Hackney ranking 5th in London for quality of life, per the council’s notes.
Cllr Chris Kennedy added:
“Our latest data already shows us ranking 5th in London for quality of life, and we will keep pushing until that excellence is felt by every resident and carer in Hackney.”
What Is the CQC’s New Role Under the Care Act?
The assessment forms part of the CQC’s expanded duties under the Care Act 2014, assessing local authority collaboration for independence and wellbeing. This framework, introduced recently, covers all English councils by end-2025, per Local Government Association guidance. Hackney’s evaluation aligns with this shift from provider-focused to system-wide assurance.
How Does Hackney Compare to Other Councils?
Kent County Council received a similar “Requires Improvement” rating with 56 points, noting ongoing improvements. Cambridgeshire achieved “Good,” while York also got “Requires Improvement” and pledged changes. Hackney’s 62 stands out as the highest in its band, contrasting lower historical issues like its 2019 “Inadequate” Housing with Care rating, now improved.
As per Hackney Citizen in past coverage, the council addressed prior special measures effectively.
What Challenges Face Hackney’s Adult Social Care?
Demand has risen 40% since 2020, straining resources amid budget pressures—18.61% of Hackney’s 2024/25 spend went to adult social care, with the full precept raised. Equity focus counters disproportionate impacts from events like Covid-19, echoing children’s services praise.
What Happens Next for Hackney’s Services?
The council will pilot demand-management initiatives and enhance information access. Scrutiny Commission review ensures accountability. CQC will monitor progress under its framework.
