Community Integrated Care responds to CQC’s State of Care 2025/26 report

Responding to the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) ‘The State of Health Care and Adult Social Care in England 2025/26’, Jim Kane, CEO of Community Integrated Care, said: 

“The CQC’s latest report adds to a growing body of evidence about the pressures facing social care. While there are some encouraging signs of progress, the findings on unmet need, workforce challenges and inequalities are a reminder of how much still needs to change.” 

“It’s particularly concerning that for 70% of new requests for council-funded social care and support, no further action is taken beyond providing information. Alongside the variation in commissioning and quality highlighted by the CQC, this raises important questions about whether people are consistently able to access the right support, when and where they need it.” 

“We also recognise the report’s findings on the changing shape of social care, with more support being delivered in people’s homes and communities. This is a positive direction, but the quality and sustainability of that support must keep pace. For people with learning disabilities, autistic people and those with complex care needs, getting the right support can transform their lives.” 

“The challenges facing social care have been documented time and again. What matters now is turning that evidence into meaningful change. The renewed attention being given to social care is encouraging, but progress must ultimately be measured by the difference it makes to people’s lives.” 

“At Community Integrated Care, we see every day what great support can make possible. We want to see a system where everyone can benefit from that same quality of support, wherever they live.”