Rochdale Borough Council has been rated good by the Care Quality Commission following an assessment of its adult social care services under the Care Act 2014.
Inspectors highlighted strong leadership, partnership working and a focus on helping people remain independent in their own homes.
The assessment examined how the council works with residents, partners and care providers to meet its responsibilities for adult social care.
The Care Quality Commission reviewed nine areas across four themes and awarded Rochdale an overall rating of good.
Among the strongest findings was partnership and communities, which received the highest available score of four. Other areas were rated three, while assessing people’s needs received a score of two.
Inspectors said council leaders demonstrated a clear understanding of both strengths and challenges within the service.
Chris Badger, CQC Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care, said, “During our inspection of Rochdale Borough Council’s adult social care provision, we found committed and forward thinking leaders who had a clear understanding of both the council’s strengths and the challenges it faces.”
He said staff felt valued and listened to, with examples including the creation of a Preparing for Adulthood Team following workforce feedback.
Inspectors also praised support available to unpaid carers and highlighted partnership working that helped people leaving hospital regain independence. The report found more people in Rochdale were still living at home 91 days after leaving hospital than the national average.
The CQC said the council had driven a major shift towards prevention through its Home First approach, increasing support delivered in people’s homes by 50 percent and reducing reliance on residential care.
The authority was also commended for involving residents in decision making. Six co production networks were established and more than 400 people were engaged during 2024 and 2025 to help shape services and priorities.
Inspectors found safeguarding practice had improved after workforce development work on self neglect, leading to a 50 percent increase in safeguarding referrals and improved identification of risk.
The report also identified areas requiring further improvement.
People with complex needs reported difficulties accessing suitable housing and support linked to mental health needs. Inspectors noted gaps in some specialist services, particularly for autistic people, people with neurodivergent needs and those living with brain injuries.
The CQC also found the council had not done enough to make services accessible for deaf people. Some residents reported difficulties communicating with staff, a lack of British Sign Language interpreters and concerns that their needs were not fully understood.
Mr Badger said, “Leaders and staff should be proud of the many positive findings in this report. Their work is making a meaningful difference to people’s lives, and we look forward to seeing how their plans continue to strengthen and improve access to services.”
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