Sandwell’s recent “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has highlighted the strength and sustainability of the borough’s adult social care market.
The report recognised the council’s long‑term investment and commitment to high‑quality services. Building on this achievement, the council is committing £10.2 million to adult social care external providers for 2026–2027, more than £600,000 above last year’s investment to ensure care remains high quality, person centred and financially sustainable.
The CQC assessment praised the borough’s collaborative approach with care providers and the resilience of Sandwell’s care market, reflecting years of focused investment and partnership working. This year’s funding continues that trajectory by increasing payments across all adult social care service areas, including older people’s residential and nursing care (excluding NHS Funded Nursing Care), supported living, day care and day opportunities, complex residential and nursing care, reablement and home care.
Throughout the year, the council has maintained close dialogue with local providers to understand the real pressures they face, from inflation and rising workforce costs to increasingly complex care needs. The resulting 2026/27 fee uplifts are designed to give providers a fair deal while ensuring the council remains financially responsible and able to meet its statutory duties.
The £10.2 million investment will help providers maintain stable services, protect continuity of care and support the wellbeing of older people, disabled adults and individuals with complex needs. Alongside the financial support, the council continues to focus on non‑financial improvements including more timely payments, workforce development, digital support and strengthened provider engagement through regular forums.
Councillor Jackie Taylor, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, said:
“We are a caring council, and that means investing in the people who deliver the day‑to‑day support our residents depend on. This year’s investment shows our commitment to giving providers a fair deal so they can continue offering high‑quality, compassionate care across Sandwell.
“We are committed to delivering the right support, at the right time, in the right place for the people of Sandwell. Our recent ‘Good’ CQC rating recognises the strength and sustainability of our local care market, and we will keep working closely with providers to build on this success for the benefit of our residents.”