Care Quality Commission Local Authority assessments

Cheshire East Adult Social Care rated 'Good'

Cheshire East Council's Adult Social Care services were rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

This independent assessment recognises the quality of care and support available to adults across Cheshire East and reflects our commitment to helping people live safe, independent and fulfilling lives.

Adult social care supports people aged 18 and over who may need help because of age, disability, illness, caring responsibilities or other circumstances. The CQC assessment helps residents understand how well these services are supporting people across Cheshire East. 

Read Cheshire East Council local authority assessment for more details.

What the assessment found

The CQC found that people in Cheshire East generally have positive experiences of adult social care services and are supported to achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.

The assessment highlighted:

  • Positive experiences of care and support for people and their carers.
  • Strong safeguarding arrangements that help keep people safe.
  • Support that promotes independence and helps people remain in their own homes for longer.
  • Effective partnership working with health, care and community organisations.
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Respect for people's rights, choices and individual circumstances.

Why does the CQC assess local authorities?

The Health and Care Act 2022 gave the CQC responsibility for assessing how local authorities carry out their adult social care duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.

The aim is to provide independent assurance to the public and government that adult social care services are:

  • Supporting people to live well.
  • Promoting independence and wellbeing.
  • Helping people stay safe.
  • Delivering positive outcomes for residents and carers.
  • Meeting the requirements of the Care Act 2014. 

These assessments also help identify areas of good practice and opportunities for further improvement.

How the CQC's new assurance approach works

From 2026, the CQC introduced an updated approach to local authority assessments. Rather than focusing on a single inspection, the CQC now uses a continuous approach to assurance, building an ongoing picture of how well local authorities are supporting people.

The CQC places particular importance on:

  • People's experiences of care and support.
  • The views and experiences of unpaid carers.
  • Equality and fairness in access to services.
  • Preventing people's care and support needs from increasing.
  • Working effectively with partners across health, housing and communities.
  • Continuous learning and improvement.

The CQC carries out different types of assessments to understand how well local authorities are supporting people. Some assessments review all areas of adult social care, while others focus on specific areas where the CQC wants to gain a better understanding of people's experiences, outcomes or opportunities for improvement. 

Why does the  CQC assess

The CQC assesses local authorities across four themes.

These themes are supported by nine quality statements that help the CQC understand how effectively a local authority is delivering its adult social care responsibilities.

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Working with people

This looks at how well we listen to people, understand their needs and strengths, and support them to achieve their goals and maintain their wellbeing.

This includes:

  • Assessing needs
  • Supporting people, including unpaid carers, to live healthier lives
  • Equity in experience and outcomes

Providing support

This considers how well care and support services work together to meet people's needs and provide consistent, joined-up support.

This includes:

  • Care provision, integration and continuity
  • Partnerships and communities

Ensuring safety

This examines how people are protected from harm and how organisations work together to provide safe, effective support.

This includes:

  • Safe systems, pathways and transitions
  • Safeguarding

Leadership

This looks at how services are led, managed and continuously improved to provide high-quality care and support.

This includes:

  • Governance, management and sustainability
  • Learning, improvement and innovation

These themes are supported by nine quality statements that help the CQC understand how effectively a local authority is delivering its adult social care responsibilities.

How does the CQC gather evidence

The CQC uses a range of evidence sources to understand how effectively local authorities are delivering adult social care services and supporting positive outcomes for local people.

  • People's experiences
  • Listening to people
  • Reviewing people's journeys
  • Gathering feedback
  • Reviewing data and information
  • Understanding impact

Working together to improve services

We are committed to continuously improving adult social care in Cheshire East.

We will continue to work with people who draw on care and support, unpaid carers, community organisations, health partners and care providers, listening and learning about their views/experiences, to ensure services remain high quality, responsive and focused on what matters most to local people.

The views and experiences of people who use services, unpaid carers, families and local communities play an important role in helping us improve adult social care. We are committed to listening, learning and working together to ensure services continue to meet the needs of people in Cheshire East.

You can find more information in the local authority assessment guidance, assessment reports and the assessment framework on the CQC website. The CQC has also published a summary of local authority assessments to date.

Page last reviewed: 08 September 2026