Halton Borough Council was assessed under the Care Act (2014), rating how well it meets its responsibilities to ensure people in Halton have access to adult social care and support. The latest report published on 4 July 2025 rated the Council as ‘Good’.

CQC looked at four themes to carry out their assessment. These were:

  • How the local authority works with people
  • Providing support
  • How the local authority ensures safety in the system
  • Leadership

 

Inspectors recognised a number of areas of good practices across Halton including strong leadership, great prevention-based services, and care plans and assessments which were person-centred and highlighted a person’s desired outcomes.

In their discussions with adults accessing care in Halton inspectors heard how “knowledgeable  and compassionate’ staff had supported them to “achieve their desired outcomes”.

The report also highlighted that people who had interacted with the Prevention and Wellbeing ‘front door’ service had “positive experiences” and “were supported to maintain their independence”.

 

Latest report highlights:

  • There is good support for adult social care at all levels
  • There is evidence to show clear and effective governance, management and accountability at all levels
  • There is good communication and arrangements in place with partners
  • Leaders are approachable and supportive
  • There is a strong, inclusive and positive culture of continuous learning and improvement – using research to inform decision making and feedback from people’s experiences to identify and address areas for improvement.
  • Staff are enthusiastic about their work and passionate about providing good care and support for people in Halton
  • There is a ‘grow your own’ approach with clear career pathways and development opportunities in place

 

In his summing up of the inspection, James Bullion, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said: “At our assessment of Halton Borough Council’s adult social care services, we found strong leaders who had a good understanding of their local population, and staff who were enthusiastic and passionate about providing good care and support to people living in Halton.”

 

Leader of Halton Borough Council, Cllr Mike Wharton reacted to the outcome saying: “This is a great achievement for Halton and reflects the fantastic work happening across the Council to support our most vulnerable members of the community, in the face of unprecedented financial pressures and demand.

“This ‘Good’ outcome is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our adult social care colleagues who work tirelessly to support the people of Halton to live longer, healthier, and happy lives.”

 

Executive Board Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Angela Ball added: “This ‘Good’ rating is a reflection of the hard work that goes on every day across our adult social care service. I want to extend my thanks to all involved in this achievement.

“I am extremely proud that during their time in Halton, inspectors from CQC could see and hear that Halton’s adult social care provision consistently performs at a high standard, putting the interests of the people of Halton first to achieve the best outcomes for them.

“While this recognition is welcome we also acknowledge that there are some areas for development and we are committed to making these improvements,  building on these excellent foundations. “

 

The assessment was carried out by CQC inspectors between October 2024 and March 2025, culminating in an onsite three day visit.